J Records Signs American Idol Dropout Mario Vazquez  8/18/05

J Records Signs Singer Mario Vazquez

NEW YORK, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- J Records announced today the signing of Mario Vazquez, known to many from his brief time on American Idol before withdrawing for personal reasons from the competition. This signing is a departure from J Records' previous experience with Idol contestants as the label has never signed an artist who was not a winner or runner up.

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

Vazquez auditioned for Davis after the last American Idol season was over and has just begun work on his debut album, which is expected to be released in the spring of 2006.

"All I've ever wanted to do is sing and I've always dreamed about having a career in music. There's no better label to achieve that goal with than J Records," says Vazquez.

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 were 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. SOURCE J Records

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