Justin, you're our 'Idol'
Christopher Theokas
USA Today, July 17, 2002

The votes are in and Justin time.

Nearly 2,000 responded within 24 hours to an informal USA TODAY survey asking who should win Fox's talent-search hit American Idol. More than 30% picked Justin Guarini, 23.

Guarini's closest competition comes from Tamyra Gray, 22, with 21% of the votes.

On Tuesday, American Idol viewers were asked to call in to cast votes for their favorite performer. There are 10 left, and the star-searcher at the bottom will get booted from the show. Those results will air on tonight's episode (9:30 ET/PT).

There's a trio of singers who might want to prepare themselves for disappointment. Bringing up the rear of our survey were Ejay Day, 22, A.J. Gil, 18, and Jim Verraros, 19. Each got roughly 4% of the vote. There's still time to show your support on our Web site. Go to life.usatoday.com.

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