American Idol Quitter Mario Vazquez to Release Album This Summer  4/18/06

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Arista Records to Release Debut From Mario Vazquez Summer 2006

New Single "Gallery" Available Digitally May 2nd

NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/18/06 -- Arista Records announces today that Mario Vazquez's debut album for the label will be released this summer.

His first single "Gallery" written by Ne-Yo who also co-produced the vocals on the track, was one of the most added records at Rhythm radio stations across the country its first week out. The track was sent out to Top 40 radio April 17th and will be available through all digital retailers as a single release 5/2. Both English and Spanglish versions of "Gallery" are currently out at radio and will be released digitally.

A host of top producers have been working with Mario in the studio: Ne-Yo, Soulshock and Karlin (Usher), Lester Mendez (Shakira), Scott Storch (50 Cent, Christina Aguilera) and Luny Tunes (Daddy Yankee), to name a few.

Mario is known to many from his brief stint on American Idol last season before he voluntarily withdrew when he reached the Top 12. Vazquez auditioned for Clive Davis after the last American Idol season was over.

"Mario Vazquez is a multi-talented, young American born Hispanic singer with a voice and charisma that we've been trying to find for a long time. His live audition for us was truly special," said Clive Davis, Chairman of BMG US upon his signing.

Vazquez was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. His musical journey began with his mother's encouragement and listening to Doo Wop and Motown classics as a young boy. He eventually enrolled in the La Guardia High School of Performing Arts where he began to hone his art. He was also involved in the City Kids Repertoire Company in New York which enabled him to travel the country and perform in front of the President and at major charitable functions and shelters.