March 15, 2005 :
HollywoodReporter
Fan favorite Mario Vazquez withdrew from "American Idol" on Sunday, and producers called in the son of a baseball Hall of Famer as backup. Vazquez, 27, cited "personal reasons" for his withdrawal, Fox announced in a statement. The New York City singer, who works with emerging musical artists, had been picked by many fans and three fellow finalists as a favorite to win the competition. Vazquez told TV Guide Online that he dropped out to "take care of some personal issues with my family in New York. And with 'Idol' being a live show, it just wouldn't have worked out schedule-wise." He said his departure had nothing to do with Fox or the show itself. (AP)
