It’s hard out there for an American Idol also-ran. While the show’s four champs to date have all scored platinum albums, folks like Jasmine Trias, John Stevens, and LaToya London — none of whom made it to the final two — have struggled to get airplay or score any kind of significant album sales.
But Season 4’s Mario Vazquez, who dropped out of the competition after advancing to the final 12, is hoping to buck that trend, and I think the dude might be able to pull it off. For starters, Vazquez had enough talent and charisma (remember his ”I Love Music”?) that I think he would’ve given Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice a serious challenge if he hadn’t leapt out the Idol escape hatch. What’s more, according to an MTV.com interview with Vazquez, he’s lined up such A-list collaborators as Ne-Yo, Scott Storch, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, and Soulshock and Karlin for his J Records debut, due this summer. So as long as he loses the Davy Crockett hat, I’m betting Vazquez will join Clay Aiken, Josh Gracin, and Dreamgirls‘ Jennifer Hudson in escaping the Idol losers curse.
Actually, looking at that list of success stories, maybe a better question is this: What curse?
Comments (1-25) of 25 Add your comment
Don’t forget Kimberley Locke! She had a great debut album “One Love” on Curb Records, that spawned two adult contemporary hits (“8th World Wonder” and “I Could”). She also had a No. 1 hit at Christmas with the Christmas song “Up on the Housetop.” She has hit No. 1 on four different charts, including Single Sales and Dance Single Sales for her remix of “8th World Wonder.” She is releasing her second album on Curb this summer and her new single, “Supawoman” is about to get released to radio. Go Kimberley!
The sales for Tamyra Gray’s album were pretty disappointing. It was a fairly solid neo-soul release that really should have found a wider audience.
Don’t forget about William Hung. He had a very successful run of media appearances and headlined the “Hung Jury” on Judge Reinhold’s show.
He will be lucky to get a Gold record out of it. He’s “Mario who?” to most viewers of American Idol by now. Plus his lead single “Gallery” a’int nothing to write home about. He should have never quit Idol.
It is going to a miracle if he can pull it off. Mario “stepped in it” when he resigned from the final 12 last season.
I called Mario the smartest contestant ever to go on that show when he left and stand behind the statement. He’s going to soar beyond anything Simon could have done for him. He got out of American Idol what he needed,which was an initial shot at exposure and a record contract. The rest is up to him.
I hope he falls flat on his face. Thinking he can do so well without the competition that freakin got him the record deal. The guy isn’t THAT great. Like Simon says, “So what?”
Back then,I thought he had made a smart move, but it’s been so long since that I had forgotten all about him.
I LOVE me some K-Lo!!! She was my choice over both Ruben & Clay and I will continue to support her whenever I can. Go Kimberley!!!!
PS – as for Mario – I really liked him last season and I doubt that J Records would have signed him if they didn’t believe that he would find an audience. I haven’t heard his new single, but I have an open mind about it and if I like it I’d consider buying his cd. He is WAY better than most of the contestants on the current season, that’s fo sho!
Give me a break Marios voice was not all that great. Had he remained on AI I have a feeling his weaknesses would have shown like whats happening with Ace.
“(remember his ”I Love Music”?)”
Not exactly memorable, but if I recall correctly it was nasally and barely average. Like everything else he sang.
Mario? Big yawn from me. If he succeeds it’ll be due to unwarranted promotion, not anything else.
I loved Mario and can’t wait for his album!!! Cheers to him for doing it without having to sign his life away to the AI juggernaut. In you Face Simon Cowell!!
Kimberley Locke should have been mentioned in your article. The third runner up from season 2 has released a really good cd called “One Love”, had the number one adult contemporary song, “Up on the Rooftop”, during this past Christmas season for 4 weeks and is preparing to release her sophmore cd in the summer. The first single, “Supawoman”, has already been released for listening on the internet. This lovely lady from Tennessee shouldn’t be underestimated!
Actually Jasmine is doing really well in Hawaii. She’s just not making a mark here. I’m not a fan but she’s has them.
Mario’s success will mostly come from the controversy of him leaving American Idol, the media loves the drama of it all. I never thought he was that great, but we’ll see.
Another idol doing well, Diana DeGarmo, CD didn’t sell as many, but she has been very busy, with musicals on and off Broadway!
Tamyra Gray might not have sold as many cd’s as she should have but has done well with acting jobs. She has appeared on tv shows, Boston Public,Half and Half,Tru Calling,What I Like About You, All Of Us and most recently Las Vegas . Tamyra also appeared on broadway in Bombay Dreams and the movie The Gospel.
Mario’s talent is way above average. He will survive the “idol curse” and sell lots of albums. Guitarist/songwriter Cesar 9media call him “the next Santana”) gave Mario a great opportunity when he recorded lead vocals in his “Worlds of Change” CD. Now the rumor is Cesar will get signed by Clive Davis as well. (go to http://www.cesarmusic.com). The LATIN EXPLOSION IS COMING BACK!!!!!!
i agree, tamyra and kimberley needed mentioned. MOST albums hardly sell 500,000 copies anymore. both albums were very good, with different sounds and textures. i know kim has anoth one coming out, i hope tamyra does, or at least can start a tv or movie career, i mean a serious one, not guest spots. even though you mentioned jennifer hudson, i would like to add that her cd (hopefully out soon!!) is one of the best r&b cd’s i have heard in a while.
Mario Vazquez rules..!!!! great voice and charisma.
Santana is a legend and Cesar is a genius!!!!
Here’s hoping he comes forward with the real reason why he left Idol. (P.S. Flamenco) I think he could have won and become the next Michael Jackson as the original was on trial. How incredible that would be.
I like Mario and would like to see him make good. He has a beautiful tone to his voice, but I must say, his song gallery is not what I expected. It took a while for this song to come out, I just thought it was going to be a dynamite song. One worth waiting for. Better fortunes next time.
Clive Davis is a legendaty innovator and Pearl Jam will benefit so much being under his wing. Ex–American Idol Mario Vazquez got signed by Clive and he’s doing some quality stuff. Another artist that will come out strong is CESAR (www.cesarmusic.com).Fox News, CNN, Music Connection Magazine call him the “Next Santana” but in reality this amazing guitarist/somgwriter is super talented and Clive has his eyes on him. cesar played w/ Frank Sinatra when he was 17 yrs old, Master guitarists Paco de Lucia and Al Dimeola as well as producer Bebu Silvetti with Placido Domingo. Support CESAR!!!!!!
I think “Gallery” stinks! Sorry, but this album is not quality material. I was expecting much better from Mario. His CD is selling slowy from what I have read. Every time I walk in the store and see it on the shelves I keep walking past it. Perhaps his next CD-if there is one, will live up to the Idol hype.
pghtqjmow mndbv ibvalmwkf tnjsbwqd shzm idayt nkbez