Profile of Justin Guarini on Famous Like Me

Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978 in Columbus, Georgia) is an American singer who rose to fame on the television show American Idol. His father, Eldrin Bell, is a former Atlanta Chief of Police. His mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. Guarini was raised by his mother and stepfather Jerry Guarini in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Guarini's music career started at the age of four with the prestigious Atlanta Boys Choir. He continued to sing in school choirs, and, in 1996-97, was the lead soloist is an award-winning acapella group named Midnight Voices. Guarini's early theater credits include leads in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Little Prince, Pirates of Penzance, Taming of the Shrew, and Once on This Island. In addition to singing and stage performing, Guarini plays the piano and guitar.

After graduating from Central Bucks East High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Guarini studied vocal performance and theater studies at the Universtiy of Arts in Philadelphia. He 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 auditioning for American Idol in April of 2002.

Guarini was an instant sensation during the debut season of American Idol, ultimately becoming the popular runner-up to winner Kelly Clarkson in September 2002. Guarini quickly secured a record deal with RCA, and after displaying a broad range of natural showmanship during the American Idol Tour the newcomer's career appeared ready to take off. However, his long delayed first project, the self-titled album Justin Guarini, wasn't released until ten months later in June of 2003. That same month, Simon Fuller's ill-fated project, From Justin to Kelly starring Guarini and Clarkson, was released. The timing hurt, and after a short period of haphazard promotion, Guarini was dropped by his recording label. When legally possible, Guarini decided to end his ties with 19 Management.

In 2004, Guarini participated in the New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Theater presentation of the musical Good Vibrations at Vassar College. His well-received performance in the Vassar production landed Guarini an offer to continue the role in the original Broadway production of the musical Good Vibrations. He eventually declined the offer.

Guarini is currently working on a jazz album, and continues to act with roles in independent film projects such as The Unknown: Frankie The Squirrel and a short film, Tilt-a-Whirl, for the Dances With Films Film Festival. Guarini is an active spokesperson for Support Music Education, and also participates in raising funds for charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Rockers on Broadway, Broadway's Kitchen Sink, and various children's hospitals across the country.

Guarini lives in Hollywood Hills, California.

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