Justin Time
Lorraine Sciuto-Ballasy
Doylestown Patriot, June 20, 2003
Justin Guarini places his hands and signature in wet cement, making his mark at
the Regal Cinema premiere. The Central Bucks East High School Patriot mascot is
at his side.
American Idol's first runner-up from last season, Justin Guarini consistently
pays homage to Doylestown as his hometown, and we love him for it.
We can't help but feel some kinship with this guy. He proudly talks about his
high school choir days at Central Bucks East High School, thanks his "posse" of
friends on the inside of his new CD jacket, and expresses eternal gratitude to
his fans from all over the country.
As a matter of fact, anyone residing in one of the nine municipalities that
comprise the Central Bucks area can truthfully say, "Oh yeah, that Guarini...American
Idol guy...he lives near here..."
I know, it sounds corny, but by most reports Guarini's what people call "the
real deal." From his highlighted afro-style hair down to his smooth, beguiling
vocal talent - his followers find his brand of charisma appealing and his manner
attractive to all ages.
It doesn't hurt either that he's easy on the eyes - and even easier to engage in
conversation.
I had the chance to discover for myself how infectious Justin Guarini can be
when I had a few minutes to speak with him at the premiere of his recently
released movie, "From Justin to Kelly," which opened at the Regal Cinema in
Warrington on Friday night. As I stood in the press section, waiting for him to
arrive, I wondered what had possessed me to be in such hot pursuit of this young
celebrity. As a teen, I was never the "groupie" type, not even when I attended
college. I never tracked my favorite group or singer, nor did I do the whole
concert circuit. Neither have I ever made sacrifices of money or time to catch a
glimpse of someone I truly admire. It's just not my thing - never was, never
will be.
Or so I thought, until now.
There I was Friday night, dodging raindrops and pushy people to make my way to a
"safe haven" where, as a member of the press, I could wait out the minutes -
closer to two hours - so I could get a few good shots of Justin and, with any
luck, some time to interview him.
The crowd was loud and the wait outside was long and wet, although they remained
orderly and never became restless. Surprisingly, many of those gathered didn't
even have passes to preview the movie; they were simply waiting for Justin,
hoping to catch a glimpse of the head of wiry curls that have become so familiar
to them over the last year.
For a few minutes, the fans were successfully distracted by the CB East
cheerleaders, mascot and band, as well as the staff of Cutting Edge
Entertainment, Guarini's previous employer, who was on hand to "psyche up" the
fairly tame group waiting for their favorite new celebrity. Regal Cinema
Assistant Manager Don Cohen joined the group and danced with gusto.
Suddenly, a black limousine pulled up. This was the moment we were waiting
for...the crowd of hundreds began chanting his name! People were holding up
signs and the photographers swarmed over toward the barricade to meet him.
Elbowed, shoved and swatted in the face by our local paparazzi, I still managed
to squeeze through the mob to get the shots I wanted. Some time between the hard
nudge I felt on my right shoulder and the sensation created by the nose of a
wide angle lens thrust into the small of my back, I had this ironic realization
- I was having a great time!
What an awesome sensation! Sure, I was tired and damp - and still hadn't got all
of what I came for, but Justin Guarini was only a few feet away and I was not
about to retreat from my turf.
Look at that smile - it roped me in. So what if I am about two decades older
than he? I am not immune to his obvious allure.
At times he appeared a bit overwhelmed, and when the CB East Choir directed by
Guarini's former Choir teacher, Scott Teschner, paid tribute to him in song, he
looked like he was overcome with emotion.
"We're so happy you're living your dream, and taking so many of us along for the
ride," Teschner told him from the podium while CB East Principal Dr. Joseph
Jennelle stood next to him.
The Doylestown Township board of supervisors, represented by Supervisor Tom
Scarborough, issued a proclamation commending him, as someone "raised" in
Doylestown Township, for his "fine efforts, positive attitude, and positive
influence on young people" and recognizing his efforts and accomplishments,
wishing him "well in all his future endeavors."
Philadelphia Mayor John Street's spokesperson, Frank Keel, presented him with a
citation from the City of Philadelphia because "so much has been done for the
Greater Philadelphia area, he's represented us proudly and well" as a local
celebrity
"You are a young man destined to a remarkable career in television, film and
entertainment," he said.
Keel also referred to Justin's feat as a 4-year-old - becoming the youngest
member of the Atlanta Boys Choir - and his American Idol near-victory.
"We watched as you moved to the front of the pack with your show-stopping
performances," Keel read from the citation.
After Guarini forever embedded his signature and handprints in wet concrete,
amid much fanfare and accompanied by the CB East Patriots' mascot Matt Howe, who
stayed in full costume the entire time, he addressed the crowd:
"A year ago I was just like one of you guys," he said, telling the audience he
had something important to say to them.
"I encourage all of you to define a goal - whatever it is - and work at it every
day...
"Thank you for standing out in the rain like crazy people. Thanks so much - you
guys rock!"
He closed by sending out hugs to his "Doylestown gang" and love to everyone.
And they loved him back.
Now it was my turn to get to know Justin and ask all those questions Diane
Sawyer, Kelly Ripa - and even Oprah - neglected to ask during his recent talk
show tour. Just that morning, he was in New York filming a Good Morning America
segment with American Idol winner and movie co-star Kelly Clarkson. (Kelly was
scheduled to join Justin at his hometown premiere, but she was a no-show.
Apparently, inside sources reported she missed the train from New York.)
I knew I would be rushed, so I repeated the questions over and over in my head,
hoping I would not forget to ask anything. When he walked up to me, he acted as
though there was no one else there but us, so he made the interview simple.
Later I wondered how any person surrounded by mayhem could do that; and decided
that was true star quality. I marveled at how absorbed he was in each and every
question, and secretly scolded myself for giving up the tape recorder years ago.
I had to write down his answers fast and could not look up from my notes as
often as I'd like. There is an abundance of expression in his face and I did not
want to miss one word or one look. His expressions were often revealing, and he
had a lot to say...
The TOP TEN things I learned about Justin Guarini:
1.
He likes to say the word "amazing" - it describes his feelings about the last
year and his rise to stardom quite well.
2. He thinks
Oprah's great and doing the talk show segments is a good market for him to
promote the movie and his new CD aptly titled, Justin Guarini.
3. He considers
Kelly Clarkson a best friend. "She's really the only person who truly
understands what I am going through." He "bounces ideas" off her and enjoys
working with her. "She and I are very close, she's a friend, a confidant."
4.
His favorite rumor is the $1-million "ho-down" wedding Kelly and he supposedly
had in Burleson, Texas, her hometown. "They had it all - down to the guest list
and the hay on the floor. That's cool by me."
5. Justin and
Kelly are NOT a couple, though he says anyone who would like to see them
together should go to the movie. "It's great music, great dancing. A fun film."
By the way, they learned the lines and the dances in two weeks and only had
about six weeks to film it.
6.
Justin's sporting large diamond stud earrings these days - one in each ear. No
reason for this new look - the studs were a present from Justin to Justin.
That's all. (He purchased them at 14 Karat Jewelers in Los Angeles where he now
is living.)
7.
He's described the whole experience as "surreal" because although he has dreamed
about fame and fortune since his youth, he never really envisioned the "hard
work" involved behind the scenes when making a movie or a CD.
8.
Recording the tracks for the CD was "cool and challenging" and he had a "great
time" doing it. His personal favorite is track #10 - "If You Wanna." He co-wrote
it with Wade J. Robson and Carole Bayer Sager. (I think it's one of the best on
the CD, too.)
9. He's not yet
chosen an ultimate direction for his musical style. "My whole thing is the CD
reflects who I am and what I want to do. The CD is purposely diverse," he said,
showcasing an "eclectic mix." "It's not ambiguous. I never want to be stuck. I
want to try all different outlets." The music on the CD, in Guarini's opinion,
is "steeped in soul - all the songs have a soulful flavor, and funk."
10. A future
collaboration with Stevie Wonder is possible. He met the famous Rhythm and Blues
balladeer a few weeks ago and they briefly spoke about it. It was a defining
moment for Guarini, who said he would "love" to work with Wonder, but "words are
just words." Nothing is currently in the works.