The “Final 12″ of this season’s American Idol has seen a shake-up. Late Sunday night, Mario Vasquez, who some (including andPOP) thought was the favourite to win the whole singing competition, quit.

According to various news outlets, Vasquez dropped out of Idol because of “a personal family thing.”

Taking his place will be Nikko Smith, who was voted off the Fox show last week. Another competitor was also voted off, but Smith had more votes last week, according to the network. Smith is the son of Hall of Fame baseball player Ozzie Smith.

Vasquez said in an interview with TV Guide that he is doing fine.

“I’m healthy, I’m fine,” he said. “It’s just a personal family thing. My family is my top priority.”

Vasquez, 27, said he had 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.”

But according to the New York Post, Vasquez’ mother has no idea why he quit.

“I don’t know his reasons,” she said. “But whatever they are, I respect him for it and will be very supportive.”

In past years, competitors also left the competition early for various reasons. Donnie Williams was axed from the show last year after he was arrested for DUI. Frenchie Davis was kicked off in the season season when it was discovered that she posed provocatively on an adult web site.






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