Almost
'Idol' Guarini signs recording pact
Barry A. Jeckell,
Billboard.com
BPI Entertainment News
Wire, October 10, 2002
Justin Guarini, the
hopeful singer that U.S. television viewers got to know through the Fox series
"American Idol," has taken another step toward the big time. Guarini,
who was runner up to Kelly Clarkson in the televised reality talent competition
series, has signed a recording contract with "American Idol" creator
Simon Fuller's U.K.-based 19 Recordings Limited. His as-yet-untitled and
unscheduled debut solo album will be subsequently licensed to RCA for U.S.
release.
"We look forward to working with Justin to nurture his talent and help him
build a recording career at RCA," RCA Music Group chairman Bob Jamieson
said in a statement. "Justin already captured the imaginations of millions
of 'American Idol' viewers. We're confident he'll do the same with his
music."
Guarini has two songs featured on the 15-track "American Idol's Greatest
Moments" compilation, released last week by RCA. Also boasting four cuts by
Clarkson, and songs by show finalists Nikki McKibbin, Tamyra Gray, RJ Helton,
Cristina Christian, Ryan Starr, A.J. Gil, Ejay Day, and Jim Verraros, the disc
finds Guarini performing the tracks "For Once in My Life" and
"Get Here."
A six-week North American tour featuring Clarkson, Guarini, and the eight other
"Idol" finalists kicked off Tuesday night (Oct. 8) in San Diego and
runs through Nov. 20 in Seattle. Clarkson's debut set, originally scheduled for
a Nov. 26 release, has been pushed back until early 2003.