American Idol replaces Mario with Nikko!

idolonfox.com ^ | Me

[ConservativeMind]

As of 3/13/05, Mario Vasquez withdrew, leaving Nikko Smith of St. Louis as one of the final 12 contestants.

The final contestant list:

http://idolonfox.com/contestants/

Those voted off or who withdrew:

http://idolonfox.com/contestants/bestofrest.htm

[entheos]

He's good enough, charming enough and has the right look. You mark my words, this is what happened.

I thought Vasquez was okay, and if he really was guaranteed to win, he may have signed himself to 19 Entertainment. But, then I had second thoughts after reading the following article:

http://www.aiken4u.com/news/2004/idolcontractkeepswinnersonleash.shtml

I think its possible that Vasquez declined the contract because he wasn't prepared to have 19 Entertainment reveal (or control) personal information about himself. I don't think the contract was declined due to the financial terms unless he worried about becoming another Justin Guarini.

[Hildy]

I never said he was guaranteed to win. But he's had enough airtime that he's probably been signed with a label and won't have to go through all the crap of American Idol.

[Sybeck1]

Your next American Idol is quite the goddess!

[Happygal]

Which guy is he? (I watch this in Ireland...and we are kinda a week or so behind).

Is Mario the really talented guy who wears the hats all the time? He's good.

But I like the guy with the long dreadlocks.
The standard in the guys this year - way outranks the girls.

Although, I think the beautiful blonde girl - who sings the country stuff so well - is quids in to be in the final shake up.

Is that annoying 17 year old, who thinks she's Barbara Streisand still in it? Her rendition of 'Somewhere' from West Side Story was nothing short of heinous!

[Happygal]

Oh! I like that Bo bloke. A rocker, who can sing a melody. Hot! Mmmm.

And that Nadia girl has 'IT' - she's got an X factor, without a doubt. Like her a lot!

Some very good talent in there this year, and what I like best is the fact that most of them sing without using all those horrendous Mariah Carey-esque grace notes in every bar. That warbling can ruin a decent melody.

[Lijahsbubbe]

what I like best is the fact that most of them sing without using all those horrendous Mariah Carey-esque grace notes in every bar. That warbling can ruin a decent melody.

Amen! That is the truth!

[jocon307]

She's good, she's really good. They are ALL really good. The kid and hubby maintain that they picked the finalists with an eye toward the summer tour, all I can say is that I would gladly go to see that show.

I do think Michalah (sp?) is my fave of the gals.

I think.

Hubby kinda likes the black chick with the wild afro.

As to the guys, I really cannot chose amoung them. That nerdy looking white guy is awful, until he opens his mouth! On the strength of the performances I think I'd have to give it to Bo Bice for right now.

[jocon307]

"...her Janice Joplin attempt almost blew it for her."

Yes, that was dreadful. "Piece of my heart" as elevator music, yikes!

[Clint N. Suhks]

"Piece of my heart" as elevator music, yikes!

While smiling all the way through it.

We saw Janice sing it on a PBS marathon fund raiser this weekend and my wife noted the contortions on Joplin's face were that of agony. The judges got it right criticizing the OKie for it. But I still hope she does well.