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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 WTVN 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 when accepted by the Atlanta Boy Choir acclaimed for it's established reputation in the United States and Europe as one of the world’s finest boy choirs. After moving to Pennsylvania, he joined the Archdiocese Of Philadelphia Boys Choir . Throughout his school years, Guarini continued to sing in school choirs, and, in 1996-97, was the lead soloist is an award winning A Capella 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 University Of The Arts (Philadelphia) in Pennsylvania. 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 (musical) '' in their master classes before auditioning for ''American Idol'' in April of 2002. Guarini emerged as a favorite during the early rounds of ''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 . After displaying a broad range of natural showmanship during the American Idol Tour, the multi-talented newcomer's career appeared ready to take off. However, unlike subsequent seasons, Guarini was required to wait three months after the release of the winner‘s album before releasing any solo projects or accepting any outside offers. Some known offers he was forced to refuse were a guest role on ''Friends'', the emcee role in Broadway's '' Cabaret (musical) '', a major role in the TV series ''The Fast and the Furious'', recording the soundtrack for a film, and modeling for Tommy Hilfiger Corporation . His long delayed first project, the self-titled album ''Justin Guarini'', eventually debuted nine months later in June of 2003, coinciding with both the higher 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 already been established with several 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 end his ties with Fuller's 19 Management. In 2004, Guarini participated in the New York Stage And Film Powerhouse Theater presentation of the musical ''Good Vibrations'' at Vassar College . Well-received by audiences, 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''. He eventually declined the offer. He continues to act with roles in independent film projects such as ''The Unknown: Frankie The Squirrel'', ''Mafioso II: The Son'', and the short film ''Tilt-a-Whirl'' for the Dances With Films Film Festival . Guarini is an active national spokesperson for Support Music Education , receiving the NAMM "Music for Life" Award in 2006 for his work in support of music education. He 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. In 2005, Guarini co-produced his second album ''Stranger Things Have Happened'', independently released in December through Guarini's production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. The album of reinvented Jazz standards was described by AllMusicGuide as "a successful reinvention... where his natural skills shine". In March 2006, Guarini announced the start of production on his third album. Guarini lives in Hollywood Hills , California . EXTERNAL LINKS Official Sites: Biographies/Misc.: Fan Sites (w/ substantial material/links): Music: |
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