The past then months have found Justin Guarini in a whirlwind of exciting happenings. The star of the hit television show American Idol dazzled the nation as the runner-up in the show’s first season and is now aiming to become a super sensation in the music industry. With the assistance of the good folds over at RCA Records—responsible for bringing the music world the hit-making likes of Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, breakout R&B star Heather Headly, onetime girl group SWV, late legend Elvis and fellow American Idol alumni Kelly Clarkson—Justin may just get his wish.

 Making good on its promise, his self-titled debut set dropped in early summer with great fanfare and an industry buzz that was deafening. Guarini’s exciting debut project features the incredibly knowledgeable input of such music industry legends as Clive Davis, who executive produced the set; multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds; new school production team The Underdogs, and many others. When anxiously awaiting fans first heard that he was releasing an LP, they immediately assumed that it was going to have definite leanings towards the pop music genre. Though he will more than likely be mentioned in that category, his release is thankfully more on the R&B side of things. Filled with ballads, a remake or two, and some heavyhearted tales of regret, Justin Guarini is a pleasant surprise for lovers of that old soul, yet it’s easily palatable to the mainstream audience. It can certainly be said that the 24 year-old newcomer’s set is an artistic success, as it is well put together and provides great listening pleasure.

Can’t you just tell that Justin is a student of the old soul, after sampling a few tunes from Justin Guarini? You better believe it’s obvious upon first impression, especially since he grew up logging plenty of music listening hours absorbing none other than the legendary Motown musical genius, singer/songerwriter Stevie Wonder. To hear Justin tell it, nothing in his career will ever compare to the lightening volts that shot up his spine when he met Wonder, “He’s such a huge influence on me. I even sang a few of his songs, including ‘Ribbon in the Sky,’ on American Idol. So, you can imagine how I felt when we were introduced at a birthday party for Quincy Jones and the actually thanked me for singing his songs on the show. Then he said, ‘You should come by the studio. We should work on something together.’ I was speechless. I will never forget that.”

Though it’s obvious Justin was inspired beyond belief and creatively open after making the acquaintance of Wonder, he may be in store for even more big time accolades. But those will be accolades that he has worked long and hard for. As millions of viewers know very well, his current journey stared with his 10-week stint on American Idol, where he was receiving his props from judges and ecstatic fans alike, it may have been hard for him to enjoy his time in the sun. You see, while he lifted audiences off their feet with his soaring voice, he was deep in thought. As it turns out, his mother was fighting cancer and her recovery was a difficult one. “I was inspired by my mother,” he reflected. “She was in the hospital at the time, undergoing surgery to have a tumor removed. She was actually the one who told me about the show and has been so supportive of my singing career. My whole family was going through the struggle of caring for her while cheering me on. But she wanted me to keep going and that motivated me to do the best that I could.”

After becoming an audience favorite and turning that adoration into a stint as a popular runner-up in the finals of that show, Justin was approached by Simon Fuller of 19 Entertainment and was quickly signed to a recording deal. That signing was quickly followed by a global recording deal with RCA Records. Having had ambitions for a career in music for some time, Guarini’s recording sessions couldn’t commence fast enough. “I couldn’t wait,” he said when asked how long it took him to get in the studio. “I was anxious to show people what I could really do. I just went for it. The whole process was just so amazing and I was really lucky to work with people like Harvey Mason Jr., the Underdogs and, of course, Babyface—who is one of my heroes.”

His CD comes equipped with smooth vibes, rocking jams and heartfelt ballads of a high degree, while the set’s many highlights include “Condition of My Heart,” written by big time balladeer Brian McKnight; a remake of the Righteous Brothers’ hit “Unchained Melody,” and “Timeless,” a duet with RCA/19 Entertainment labelmate and movie co-star Kelly Clarkson. Oh, did we say “movie co-star?” Well, of course we did. That recently released big screen effort, From Justin to Kelly, came as a dance-a-minute, sing a song at the drop a hat, fun film that stars the American Idol alums as a cute, picture perfect twosome. “I definitely got bit by the acting bug during the making of the movie,” admitted Guarini. “We did the whole thing in just six weeks, which was pretty intense. But I grew up watching films like Singing in the Rain and Cabaret, so the chance to make a musical was a dream come true.” On the topic of co-star Kelly, he divulged the fact that “she’s become a close friend and confidant and has such an incredible voice.”

It’s clear that Justin’s in it to win it, and he’s only been around for a hot minute! But curly-topped Guarini isn’t just another one hit wonder, as the clouds are above and his debut RCA release is the thunder. Will he reign on the national charts? Only time will tell, but with sure-fire hits like the double A-sided single release of “Sorry”/“Unchained Melody,” he’s already off to one heck of a start. We’ll just have to sit back and watch the fireworks continue. –R.H.