J Records signs ‘Idol’ dropout

Mario Vazquez didn’t need to win “American Idol” to get the record contract -- the “Idol” dropout has signed a deal with J Records, home of previous winners Fantasia and Ruben Studdard.

“It’s just so exciting to see that my dreams are coming to fruition,” Vazquez said Thursday.

Vazquez is best known for his brief stint on the Fox talent competition last season. Though he was considered a huge fan favorite, he dropped out of the show in the early rounds. Rumors swirled about why he left, but Vazquez says he just felt “Idol” wasn’t the right vehicle for him, though it boosted his confidence as a performer.

Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood were the show’s finalists, and Underwood won the contest. Vazquez said he sometimes thinks about what might have been but has “no regrets whatsoever.”

The 27-year-old Bronx, N.Y., native says his album should be out in the spring and will reflect a variety of genres.