It’s been 24 years since Justin Guarini first stole viewers’ hearts on the inaugural season of “American Idol“, where his signature curls and powerhouse vocals helped make him one of the show’s most memorable early contestants. While plenty has changed since then—including, notably, his hair—there’s one thing from his
“American Idol” days that Guarini still looks back on with a little regret.
Justin’s Regret
Justin sat down with Entertainment Tonight ahead of the 24th anniversary of his season of “American Idol.”
“Only thing I regret is that suit there,” he laughed while watching a flashback to his runner-up interview. “When she won, I was like, that makes perfect sense. And I didn’t feel again like I’d lost.”
The Broadway star went on to explain that he and Kelly Clarkson shared a special bond throughout their time competing on the show.
“The two of us definitely did rely on each other a lot and thank goodness. I’m so glad,” he said. “And yet we’re both competing against one another at the same time. And so it was a very unique experience and I’m just glad we had each other to get through.”
Despite coming in second place behind the former “The Voice” coach, Guarini doesn’t consider himself a loser.
“I didn’t lose. Come on. I’m sitting here,” he told ET. “Name somebody who came in second place from season 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Name the winners from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. I don’t, I don’t know. They’re all wonderful people, I’m sure. But like Muhammad Ali says, ‘I don’t lose, I just win or I learn something.'”
Justin Guarini’s Book
The 24th anniversary of the groundbreaking first season of “American Idol” comes as Guarini is preparing to release a new book.
“You probably remember me from ‘American Idol,'” he said in an announcement shared via Instagram. “30 million people watched my life change practically overnight. But, what you probably didn’t see was the box office flop, a battle with depression, or this moment,” he added as a clip of Tina Fey from “Saturday Night Live” during a “Weekend Update” segment talking about Guarini being dropped by his record label.
He continued, “Strangely enough, all that wasn’t the hardest part of my story. It was figuring out who I was when the applauses stopped.”
In the years since “Idol”, Guarini has become a father, starred on Broadway, appeared in many commercials, and given speaking engagements.
“I discovered one thing I wish I had known at 23: Sometimes the thing that looks like your ending is actually your rehearsal for what comes next,” he continued. “That’s why I wrote ‘Center Stage Confidence.’ It’s the backstage story of what success really looks like and a playbook for showing up when your life puts you in the spotlight.”
According to the book’s description, “Center Stage Confidence” was “written for professionals who are ready to stop holding themselves back.”
Set to release October 6, fans can pre-order the book now.
