Mario Vazquez Still Under ‘American Idol’ Contract

MTV News reports that in a press conference Tuesday (March 15) in the Coca-Cola Red Room where ‘American Idol’ contestants wait to perform during tapings, the show’s co-executive producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe confirmed Vazquez quit for personal reasons and squashed rumors surrounding his departure, including that he had been offered a better record deal than the winner receives. “He is not free to sign [with anyone]; he signed that contract two weeks ago,” Lythgoe said, noting that all 24 semi-finalists signed the same contact at the same time. So why did he leave? “We know what the personal reasons are and we’ve made him a promise not to reveal what they are,” Lythgoe said. Read more.