P. Diddy to Sign American Idol’s Mario Vasquez?

By: Shannon Gossage

Ever since 27-year old Mario Vasquez voluntarily left the reality show American Idol, the rumor mill has been working overtime, leaving everyone with a million questions. Did he get a recording contract on his own? Did he want the notoriety of being the guy who quit American Idol? Did he get someone pregnant? Is he gay? Did he not want to be tied to the AI recording contract with RCA? On and on the rumors continue. Vasquez will only say he left to "take care of some personal issues with my family in New York" and "I’m healthy, I’m fine." Vasquez added, "It’s just a personal family thing. My family is my top priority."

Now it is being reported that he was offered a "newer, better" contract by P. Diddy and Tommy Mottola. Combs recently said, "I can’t discuss that right now. We’re hopefully about to announce our plans for our next era." Although Combs didn’t confirm the rumor, he didn’t deny it either. Contractually, Vasquez is "bound" to American Idol until after the season finale is aired in May.

Vasquez, originally thought to be favored to win the competition, left the competition earlier this month and enjoyed a quick run on the talk show circuit appearing on shows such as Regis and Kelly and The Late Show with David Letterman. Vasquez was replaced with Nikko Smith, son of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, in the Final 12. Vasquez is not the first AI contestant to leave the show, he is just the first to leave voluntarily. Hopefully, he does have something in the works and is not forever known as the guy who quit American Idol.