We had lunch recently with the first "American Idol" winner, Kelly Clarkson, and runner-up Justin Guarini at the Regency Hotel in Manhattan. Besides starring in the movie "From Justin to Kelly," they each released a debut album.

Kelly's album, "Thankful," has gone platinum (selling more than 1 million copies). Justin's self-titled debut album was released in June.

Q. What was it like to star in your own movie after being on "American Idol"?

Kelly: It was weird. I don't even like watching myself perform back on tape. Seeing myself 10 feet high onscreen is cool. It was cool seeing the film come together because we did it in six weeks.

Justin: It was cool to star in it, but it was weird to watch ourselves.

Q. Are you happy with the way your careers are going?

Kelly: My album has definitely been working out for me. I am happy with the outcome of it, and I worked really hard on it. "American Idol" was supposed to open doors and that is exactly what it has been doing. This movie has been a fun kind of thing for us to do.

Q. If there is one thing you would want the public to know, what would it be?

Justin: I am pretty open, so I don't think there is anything the public doesn't know.

Kelly: If I am like your next door neighbor, I am very scared for the whole world. I keep hearing that I am the girl next door. I am sick of that! I am nice, but when I think of the girl next door, I think of someone shy, and I am not. I am very spontaneous.

Q. Do you see your friends and family as much?

Justin: No, not enough. It is part of the process. So there will be time for that later.

Kelly: During the movie, my friend Ashley came out for three weeks of the filming. She also does hair and makeup, so she is coming on tour. I try to keep my friends as close as possible.

Q. Who or what inspired you to audition for "American Idol"?

Justin: My mom saw something on TV, and she thought it would be a nice opportunity for me. So I just got online and the rest is history.

Kelly: I just came home from L.A., and my best friend's mother had heard about some audition. I always told my friends that if they heard about auditions they should let me know. You are always looking to get your foot in the door. They filled out the paperwork and just had me sign the contract, and then I went and tried out.

Q. Before you tried out for "American Idol" were you in any other contests?

Kelly: Other than like stuff in school, no.

Q. What do you think of "American Juniors"?

Kelly: They are so cute. What I think is funny are the stage moms. I grew up with some friends who had some really bad stage moms.

Justin: Oooh, yes! They are evil!

Q. Out of your whole new life, what do you miss the most?

Kelly: Friends. I try to fly them out as much as possible or go home as much as possible. My management knows that I will go nuts if I don't go home every couple of months.

Q. What did you think of the comments Simon made during the show?

Justin: You have a choice with Simon. You can either be offended or be inspired by him. He doesn't spare your feelings, but he does say what is on most people's minds. The good thing about Simon is he really prepared us for the critics that are going to come at us. He always gave me constructive criticism.

Kelly: He wasn't mean to me. I liked him. He is really like a piece of cake compared to what people are like in the industry. I have been blessed. Even if critics haven't liked the CD, they have said that I am talented but they don't like the music.

Q. Who was your favorite judge?

Justin: Paula [Abdul] is fine. She rocks.

Kelly: Yes. Paula's good because she knows where we are coming from. I was also a big fan of Randy [Jackson].

Q. Justin, do you have anything against Kelly for winning?

Justin: No. It was one of those things that happened the way it was supposed to happen. If I had to sing "A Moment Like This" I probably wouldn't have a career right now. They were trying to push out an album a month after the show. The music that they gave me was horrendous.

Kelly: We both turned out all right. We both had a tour, an album and a movie.

Q. What is your favorite song from your new album?

Justin: "If You Want to Be With Me."

Kelly: "You Thought Wrong," because I wrote that song. It is rock and soul.

essentialjustin.com