Vazquez (bottom row, second left) was tipped to win the talent show

"My gut and intuition told me it wasn't time to do this," said Vazquez, 27, who has been replaced by Nikko Smith.

"I had to focus on some personal areas in my life with the little bit of privacy that I have."

Vazquez, one of twelve finalists, was considered by many to be a favourite to win the TV talent show, now in its fourth series on the Fox network.

A number of contestants have been forced to quit previous editions of the show after background information surfaced, but Vazquez is believed to be the first to leave voluntarily at this stage in the competition.

I will always be singing. This won't be the last you hear of Mario Vazquez Mario Vazquez

"It's nothing with American Idol in particular, it's just things I really need to take care of in my life," said New Yorker Vazquez, who provided backing vocals to the 2001 Michael Jackson track Whatever Happens.

"I don't think it's by any means an end to my career. It's just things you need to take care of in life."

"I will always be singing. This won't be the last you hear of Mario Vazquez."