Justin Guarini, The Unconventional Fox
Dana Walker
Foxes on Idol, August 21, 2002
www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-b...art&page=1
Everybody knows that Dana is a big fan of Justin’s – but why? What does she
see in him that makes him her very own “American Idol”? Let’s take a look
at what he’s done to earn his Final Four position.
Okay, quit your wisecracking about his hair for a minute.
My Justin has made me (among millions of others) swoon from the get-go, and it
has very little to do with his looks. Honestly, anyone who knows me can tell you
that he’s so not my type. (My type? Colin Farrell. Enough said.)
I’m going to briefly revert back to my RealityNewsOnline recap of American
Idol, Week #1:
Then Justin comes in. Oh, my God. WOW.
This boy is the winner. Hands down. But even if he doesn’t win, he’s still
going to be signed in a heartbeat. A tall, curly-haired, uniquely attractive
23-year-old boy, Justin has Paula (and me) mystified as he sings, “Who’s
Lovin’ You” by the Jackson Five. He simply oozes charisma and confidence.
And when he’s finished, Simon admits that the American talent is better than
the British talent. There’s no more appropriate time to say this, because
Justin is the best talent I’ve seen yet. Ever.
From his first appearance he proved to be utterly captivating. He’s easy on
the eyes, of course, but his confidence is more likely what makes all the young
girls ooh and aah over him. I’m certainly no expert on the visual appeal of
the “boy band” type, but Jim, RJ, and A.J. all seem to fit that mold much
more snugly than Justin does.
He performs with such ease and presence, qualifying him as the only male
contestant to make the top ten who could feasibly have a wildly successful solo
career. Take Week 6, when he performed “For Once in My Life.” Holy frijoles,
Batman… he left me in a daze. And it’s not just his ability to perform… he
also has that soulful, skilled, and distinctive voice. His doesn’t sound
identical to every other whiny, wussy “boy band” singer in the universe
(i.e., Justin doesn’t sing through his nose because he knows how not to). His
voice evokes an emotional response… and that’s what a great singer does.
Oh, and there’s one more thing – that look. You know the one… where he
tilts his head downward slightly and looks up at the camera/audience, delivering
a “come hither” gaze… well, it’s… um… very effective.
Admittedly, over the course of the competition, my Justin has… well, made some
mistakes. Not only did his ego momentarily take over the Metropolitan Los
Angeles area a few weeks back, but a couple of his song choices have not fully
showcased his vocal ability. But at this stage in the game, I have a little
theory about that… maybe he’s not giving this competition his all anymore
because he has better offers waiting for him.
Think about it – the contract with BMG is pretty useless without an extensive
marketing push. Granted, the popularity of American Idol will be a driving force
in the sales of the winner’s CD, but how long will that last in the fickle
land that is America? Keep in mind as well that Simon Cowell has never broken an
artist in the U.S. The two guys from Pop Idol, Will Young and Garreth Gates,
haven’t sold anything over here… and British pop music, the area where Simon
holds his expertise, is sometimes a far cry from what Americans demand. So do
you think that my Justin may have come to the conclusion that another label
might give his career more longevity than the “flash in the pan” concept
that American Idol might very well prove to be?
Justin could have better offers lining the floor mats in his Ford Focus within
three months time. Actually, exclusivity be damned… he may already have
something in the works, thus encouraging him to phone in last week’s
performance.
Or maybe he’s as frustrated with the presence of the fourth wheel jammed in
beside the ultra-talented top three as I am and feels like he should escape
while his ears are still intact.
Back to the topic at hand – my Justin is just all that and the beachfront
condo, kids. But only time will tell if his appeal will a) translate into a
substantial career that can stand the test of teenybopper time, or b) prove to
be a passing Generation-Y fancy and return him to the shelf of relative
obscurity in eighteen months’ time.
Regardless of the outcome, you’ll always have songs to sing while I’m
around, Justin. Email me and we’ll work something out.