I agree. Nikko won't go all the way but I will enjoy him until he goes. He is a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, he will be at a huge disadvantage in coming back to the show with such short notice. Mario's announcement came late Sunday so Nikko was probably doing alot of traveling from St. Louis and has had little time to practice his song for tonight. I heard that they often tape the performance segments the day before which means he would have had to tape yesterday.

Mario was clearly a favorite to win or at least place in the top 3. His departure is always going to make us wonder - when the next American Idol is chosen - what the outcome would have been had Mario been in the competition.

btw - most of the reports I read point to contract negotiation as the reason Mario quit. It is rumored Bo Bice did not like the terms to which they all had to agree to and considered quitting (I have heard it is a 7 year contract with 19 Ltd.!!) At age 29, Mario probably didn't want to be locked into a 7 year exclusive contract with the AI folks. He probably saw a "From Mario to Mikaylah" movie in his future!

Ugh, it is clear I am rambling. Slow day at work. That is what almost 6" of snow on the ground (and still falling) will do!!!!!!

(Who wants to argue that I live in the desert again??? )