He hasn’t been seen much since he disappeared from American Idol last season, but rest assured, Mario Vasquez is okay and ready to release an album.

Vasquez, who was the early favourite to win the popular televised talent contest before he unexpectedly quit, is almost finished recording his debut album for J Records, the major record label that signed him last year.

He expects to be finished any day now, he told MTV.

He recently hit the studio with chart-topper Ne-Yo and has received production work from Scott Storch.

Vasquez also worked with Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, the man behind Alicia Keys’ work. Vasquez is hoping Krucial will bring Keys into the studio for a collaboration.

“Gallery,” his first single, will be released in both English and Spanish. The song, with no scheduled released date, features Baby Bash.

The album is expected this summer.

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