TV talent contest American Idol has been hit with a new controversy following singer Mario Vazquez's decision to quit the show.

The popular singer, who was one of 12 chosen by viewers to compete for the fourth American Idol title, dropped out of the competition on Friday night, citing "a personal family thing" for his decision.

Vazquez says, "I have to take care of some personal issues with my family in New York. And, with Idol being a live show, it just wouldn't have worked out schedule-wise."

"I'm healthy, I'm fine. It's just a personal family thing. My family is my top priority. It was a very, very hard decision on my part. "