NEW YORK (Billboard)
Billboard asked nine key "Idol" stars to reflect on what the show has meant to their career, their favorite moments and how they've managed the transition from the small screen into the cold, hard world of the music business.

JUSTIN GUARINI

What surprised me most about being part of ("Idol" ) was the quick education I got in the business, and the fact that I had so very little control. I was under the naive notion that I would have a little more of a say and be a little more of an artist as opposed to a product, but now I've learned how to juggle that. "Idol" for me was the key to the career I've always dreamed of. I've been working steadily for the past five years doing exactly what it is that I love -- entertaining people, not just here but all over the world. I just can't begin to think of how that could've happened without it. My favorite "Idol" moment would have to be the big band night we did. I always loved jazz, and the fact I got to sing with a bunch of great musicians really was an inspiration for a jazz album I released last December. I think the most important thing for me is that people, after five years, still remember who I am and are interested in what I'm doing. There are other people who have come in second, third or fourth in other seasons who have not been able to maintain that kind of visibility, so I'm really thankful for that.