---

TheTVObserver presents Justin Guarini. In my mind he should have won Idols but I am very happy with his career since he first captured our hearts on Idols. He has grown as a musician and over the years we have come to understand Guarini as a professional and passionate musician. In this Star Spread you will get to learn more about this handsome artist.


"Justin, you know, occasionally you're very privileged when you do a competition like this to hear somebody undiscovered who has a voice like yours". With those words from Simon Cowell, Guarini emerged as a standout during the early round of auditions for American Idol's debut season, ultimately becoming the runner-up to winner Kelly Clarkson in September 2002.


Birth Name: Justin Eldrin Bell Guarini
Birth Date: October 28, 1978
Birth Place: Columbus, Georgia, USA
Height: 6' 2½
Nationality: American
Education: Graduated from Central Bucks East High School; Attended the School for Film and TV in New York City, New York; and he attended the University of Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


Justin Guarini is an American singer/songwriter, actor who rose to fame in 2002 as the first runner-up on the debut season of the television show American Idol.


Prior to the American Idol Tour, he was the only contestant asked to appear on "The Oprah Show", where Oprah Winfrey told him, "Justin, you have it". After reviews during the American Idol Tour describing Guarini as a "revelation" (Los Angeles Times), "easily the best performer... whose combination of pipes and persona most deserves a continued place in the spotlight" (Boston Herald), and "the closest thing to a natural in the spotlight" (Indianapolis Star), the multi-talented newcomer's career appeared ready to take off.


His father, Eldrin Bell, is a former Atlanta, Georgia Chief of Police, and current Chairperson of Clayton County Commission (Georgia). His mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN.

Guarini's music career started at the age of four when he was accepted by the Atlanta Boy Choir, acclaimed for its established reputation as one of the world’s finest boy choirs. After moving to Pennsylvania in 1985, he joined the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Boys Choir. Throughout his school years Guarini sang in school choirs, and from 1996-2000 was the lead soloist in an award winning a cappella group named The Midnight Voices.


After studying vocal performance and theater studies at the University of the Arts (Philadelphia) in Pennsylvania, Guarini later moved to New York City where he attended the School for Film and Television. He worked briefly on Broadway and was recruited by Broadway scouts to join the cast of The Lion King in their master classes before successfully auditioning for American Idol in April 2002. Shortly after being chosen for American Idol, he was offered a role in the Broadway production of The Lion King. Guarini wrote about his decision between the two offers in his exclusive 2008 blog for the television site, Fancast, stating, "I had attended master classes… I learned Zulu and Sutu phrases, as well as the music from the show. It was a dream almost come true at the time. But, now I knew I was onto something, and I wasn’t letting go. I politely declined the offer of a role...".

According to interviews with Guarini and his parents, he received the following outside offers but was contractually required to refuse them: a guest role on Friends, the emcee role in Broadway's Cabaret, a major role in the TV series The Fast and the Furious, a film soundtrack, and modeling for Tommy Hilfiger.


In February 2009, Guarini confirmed he is getting married later this year with his fiancee, Reina, while stepping out to support the opening of The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Justin Guarini is a special correspondent on Reality Chat: Idol Wrap, joining fellow former “American Idol” contestant Kimberly Caldwell, along with co-host Rosanna Tavarez, former member of the Billboard chart topping musical group Eden’s Crush. Guarini will help lead fans through the excitement of this exclusive live pre-show and red-carpet event preceding each “American Idol” show at Television City Studios in Los Angeles.


Guarini recently finished filming the motion picture “Fast Girl,” costarring Mircea Monroe and Carolyn Rhea, in which he stars as professional racecar driver Darryl K. Sands. The film is scheduled for release on DVD in January 2008.


Although he is busy working on music for his third album, Guarini still makes time to appear on many popular television programs. He also performs in independent films, theatrical films and public and private concerts.


A strong believer in music education, Guarini has lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of The International Music Products Association, which seeks to curb the slashing of music education in our nation’s schools. He has spoken before the NAACP regarding the importance of music in schools, and has performed in concert with ‘The Commodores,’ ‘Take 6,’ and Diana DeGarmo and John Stevens to benefit music education.


Since “American Idol,” Guarini has added to his credits the national ‘Idol’ tour performing to sold out audiences of 20,000 or more each night; two albums—one produced by Clive Davis; a major motion picture, ‘From Justin to Kelly;’ numerous appearances on “Oprah,” “The Tonight Show,” “Good Morning America,” “Good Morning America Summer Concert Series,” “The Today Show,” “Teen Choice Awards,” Fox Television’s comedy, “Run of The House,” and AMC’s “Film Fakers.” He has held concerts in the U.S. and abroad including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Japan in addition to hosting on-line shows for ManiaTV, “U Pick 'Em,” “Too Short For Hollywood” and “Webcam Karaoke.”

By TheTVObserver

---

---

---

1 Comment