The American Idol producers were “shocked” by Mario Vasquez's decision to leave the show, because the cute young man was likely to win. And for them Vasquez's "personal reasons" sounded unconvincing. But after a private conversation they heard the real reason and understood.

“We know what the personal reasons are. But we've made him a promise that we are not going to reveal those reasons," executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said at a news conference Tuesday.

The leave of the 27-year-old Bronx-born Vasquez gave a chance for Nikko Smith, the son of baseball star Ozzie Smith. Nikko, a strong R&B singer, was among the contestants voted out during last week's last semi-final round.

"God works in mysterious ways," Smith told later, according to nydailynews.com.

For Vasquez there is one negative point in his leaving. The contract that all the American Idol participants signed two weeks ago doesn't allow any of them to sign another record deal. The agreement prohibits them to record any albums until three months after the show's finale.

Another source, indiantelevision.com, said that Fox has announced the final locale of the reality show. It is scheduled to be in May, at the Kodak Theater just at the same venue where the Oscar Awards were held.