Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978 in Columbus, Georgia) is a singer/songwriter, actor who rose to fame in 2002, as the first runner-up on the debut season of 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.

Public life
As an unknown amateur, 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. Soon after, Guarini signed with American Idol's 19 Management and secured a record deal with RCA. 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. However, unlike subsequent seasons, Guarini was required to wait until after the release of the winner‘s album before releasing any solo projects or accepting any outside offers. Some known outside offers contractually required to refuse (revealed at separate times by Guarini on his RCA official website, by his parents in on-air interviews, and by his stepfather in the Philly Burb) were a guest role on Friends, the emcee role in Broadway's Cabaret, a major role in the TV series The Fast and the Furious, recording the soundtrack for a film, and modeling for Tommy Hilfiger.

His long delayed first project, the self-titled album Justin Guarini, debuted nine months later in June 2003, coinciding with the high profile single releases of the current second season American Idol top finishers, and Simon Fuller's ill-fated movie project, From Justin to Kelly, starring Guarini and Clarkson. The timing further hindered Guarini, while having little impact on Clarkson whose career momentum had been established with ongoing solo projects and individual promotion during the prior months. After a short period of haphazard promotion, Guarini was dropped by RCA. When legally possible, he decided to sever ties with Fuller's 19 Management.

Guarini co-produced his second album Stranger Things Have Happened, independently released in December 2005 through his own production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. The album of reinvented jazz standards was described by AllMusicGuide as "a successful reinvention... where his natural skills shine", and The Philadelphia Inquirer likened Guarini to "an earthier Al Jarreau". Guarini announced the start of production on his third album which will contain original material, described by Guarini as a fusion of jazz/soul/funk. In April 2007, he unveiled a teaser for the song "Eventually", co-written with United Kingdom writer/producer Peter "Boxsta" Martin. Release of a single and a tour is planned upon completion of the album. He has also partnered with BurnLounge, a new digital music service, appearing at its launch convention in Las Vegas in June 2006.

In addition, he has completed music-related projects with other artists. He is a featured vocalist on the smooth jazz/fusion album Foreign Shores by David Hughes (bassist for jazz pianist David Benoit ). Guarini composed the music for the Hymn Did You Know That I Know Your Journey written by H.H. Gayuna Cealo. The Hymn, first performed by Guarini in Ishikawa, Japan in October 2005, was released in 2006 with proceeds benefiting the child-oriented peace work by the organization Foundation for Global Harmony. Cealo stated that Guarini's "rendition of the Hymn is truly as pure as his heart". He composed the music/lyrics and recorded the song Everlasting for the documentary series Project Everlasting, launched August 2006 and featured on the Today Show. The title track from his album Stranger Things Have Happened is also used in the documentary.

Acting/entertainment-related projects include Guarini's 2004 role in the pre-Broadway New York Stage and Film Powerhouse Theater workshop/presentation of the musical Good Vibrations at Vassar College. His performance (which included singing, dancing, acting, and playing guitar) landed Guarini an offer to continue the role in the original Broadway production of the musical Good Vibrations, which he eventually declined. He continues to act in independent film projects such as The Unknown: Frankie The Squirrel, Mafioso II: The Son, the drama/action film Fast Girl, and the short film Tilt-a-Whirl for the Dances With Films Film Festival.

Some of his television appearances include a musical spoof for AMC's FilmFakers (2004), guest host/co-host for shows including Regis and Kelly (2003), VH1's Top 20 Countdown (2004), ManiaTV's U Pick 'Em and Too Short for Hollywood (2006), and the TV Guide Channel (2006) where, in 2007, he was signed as a correspondent/co-host for Idol Chat and Idol Tonight. In addition to hosting, he's a recurring commentator for such shows/networks as the Today Show, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, Style Channel, and Comcast.

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