Former 'Idols' Never Idle
Mary Ann Albright, Staff Writer
The Columbian, August 3, 2007
http://www.columbian.com/lifeHome/lifeHomeNews/08032007news177707.cfm

The musical entertainment at this year's Clark County Fair spans generations. Whether you were a fan of The Cars in the '80s, or are a SheDaisy devotee today, there's a spot in the grandstands for you.

The acts are as diverse in style and genre as they are in era. Rock, country and pop all will be represented, along with newly minted stars from TV's "American Idol."

Justin Guarini, Anthony Fedorov and Kimberly Caldwell, all former "American Idol" contestants, will perform Aug. 4.

Guarini, one of the better known "Idol" finalists, made headlines in 2002 as runner-up on the show's first season.

Since he was on the show, Guarini has made two solo albums and added a couple of film credits to his name. He's currently concentrating on a third, as-yet-untitled project.

Guarini, 28, took time to speak with The Columbian about everything from how the show changed his career to Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul's repartee.

Here are excerpts from the recent telephone interview with Guarini. His comments were edited for space and clarity.

Most people probably know you as the guy from the first season of "American Idol" and "From Justin to Kelly." Are those associations you struggle to break away from, or do you embrace them?

I think at first everyone when they come off the show tries to separate themselves in an attempt to grow and go beyond it. But at the end of the day, that association will always be with me, something I'll cherish. I've done film, television, been able to sing all over the world. "American Idol" gave me the keys to create any level of career I want, so I feel very fortunate. I think the smarter of us Idols realize it's something you can use to your advantage for the rest of your career.

Kelly Clarkson, who won "American Idol" when you were on in 2002, has received a lot of attention recently for her tiff with Clive Davis and disappointing sales of her new record, "My December." Have you heard her latest album, and if so, what did you think of it?

I haven't heard the whole thing. I heard the first single, "Never Again." I thought it was good. It's very difficult to come off an extremely popular album ("Breakaway") . Kelly is Kelly. She'll always stand up for what she believes. She'll make it through this.

Do you two still keep in touch?

Yes, we're still friends. It's difficult, because we're both very busy. But we'll e-mail every once in awhile, or text back and forth just to check in.

Thinking back to your "American Idol" days, can you tell us what the judges are like in real life? Are Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul always at each other's throats, or is their animosity invented to make interesting television?

They all get along to greater or lesser degrees depending on the day. They're great people. All of them are warm and gracious. Simon is mean on the show and has a sharp, forked tongue. But when he's not judging, he's a nice guy. Paula is as sweet as the day is long. And Randy is Randy. He's fun and high-energy.

Are you in some ways glad you didn't win "American Idol," since you didn't have the pressure to live up to the title as Kelly Clarkson does?

Yes, definitely. I'm very glad I didn't because I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to.

Who are a few of your personal idols in the music business?

My musical idols are varied, but the staples are Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. Those two really just amaze me and influence me heavily. I've met and spoken with Stevie on a number of occasions. He's everything you would hope for and more.

Speaking of your taste in music, what's at the top of your iPod playlist right now?

I listen to everything under the sun. I have Colbie Caillat's brand-new single, "Bubbly." I have Rick James, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson, jazz, Pink Floyd, Red Hot Chili Peppers.

You've released two solo projects: "Justin Guarini" (2003) and "Stranger Things Have Happened" (2005), the latter through your own production company, Justice Entertainment Ltd. What projects do you have coming up? Are you focusing on recording or producing, or would you like to get more into movies and TV?

This next album that I'm putting out is going to be a mix of R&B, funk and soul. I'm just finishing the writing, and I hope to get it out next year on a major record label. It's all original material. This is going to be the CD I wish I was able to put out the first time. I've gotten to collaborate with Dave Thomas from Take 6 and other producers and writers in the U.K. It's been a very busy year, and now I'm going to pick four, five or six songs that are the strongest and create a demo.

Sounds like work has you traveling a lot. Is it hard to maintain a relationship when you're on the road?

It's difficult just because I'm away. I really enjoy the time I spend with my girlfriend, but I think our relationship is strong enough to get through it. She's not in the entertainment business at all, which, believe me, is a huge blessing.

Being as busy as you are, how do you keep up your signature coif? Your hair is this neat cross between a wild lion's mane and Shirley Temple-style ringlets. Is there much product involved?

No, it does what it wants to do. It really has a mind of its own, and I just try to shepherd it as best I can. It's very low maintenance.

back to EssentialJustin.com