THE BUZZ.

Byline: - Compiled by Valerie Kuklenski

IDLED IDOL: ``American Idol'' finalist Mario Vazquez, citing ``personal issues,'' withdrew from the talent competition Sunday, and producers of the Fox show called in the son of a baseball Hall of Famer as backup.

Fox said producers promoted 22-year-old Nikko Smith, the son of baseball great Ozzie Smith, into Vazquez's spot because Smith got more votes than Travis Tucker when both were voted off Wednesday. Smith and the other 11 finalists will face off at 8 tonight.

Vazquez, 27, had been picked by many fans and three fellow finalists as a favorite to win the competition. He told TV Guide's Web site that he dropped out 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.''

Vazquez said his departure had nothing to do with Fox or the show itself.

``It's just a personal family thing,'' he told the Web site. ``My family is my top priority.''

Vazquez is not the first to leave ``Idol'' unexpectedly. Last year, George Huff returned to the show after contestant Donnie Williams was cited for DUI. And in 2003, Fox dropped three contestants, two for failing to disclose arrest records and another for posing on an adult-oriented Web site.

SEPARATE WAYS: The director of ``Sideways'' and his wife, who co- starred in the hit film, are splitting up, according to People magazine. Alexander Payne and Sandra Oh were all smiles at the Oscars, when Payne and Jim Taylor nabbed a screenplay award, but a publicist confirmed for People that they have decided to separate amicably.

HOW CAN WE MISS YOU ... : Cher's performance at the Hollywood Bowl on April 30, the grand finale of her farewell tour, was such a hot seller that she has decided to add one more date. Tickets for her April 29 show at the Bowl will go on sale at 10 a.m. March 21 at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at [phone] or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) Cher has added an extra performance to her farewell tour: April 29 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Jo Hale/Getty Images

(2) VAZQUEZ

(3) SMITH