Peach Buzz: 'Idol's' Justin tired but happy
Rodney Ho
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 7, 2002
Justin Guarini, the aw-shucks son of former Atlanta Police Chief Eldrin
Bell and runner-up on "American Idol," said despite vocal fatigue, he
survived three rigorous months without serious illness.
"It's been a whirlwind," he told Buzz after a "Today" show
appearance with winner Kelly Clarkson Friday morning. "I've been packing,
getting ready for the Vegas show [on Sept. 23] and the tour, saying goodbye to
family. Then I took this red-eye to New York."
Guarini, 23, is also grappling with mom Kathy Guarini's hospitalization this
past week to remove a possible cancerous growth in her stomach. "She's
recovering very quickly," he said.
Beyond the national six-week "Idol" tour (tickets go on sale today for
the Oct. 21 Atlanta show), he said, "I'm keeping my options open."
He'll consider Broadway, movies, TV, a recording contract or eventually all of
the above.
"For the first time in my life, it feels right," Guarini said.
"I'm not searching myself for what I'm supposed to be doing. It's
comfortable for me."
As for Bell's rambunctious dancing and singing in the crowd each week, Guarini
loved it. "He's been amazing," he said. "He's given so much
energy and support from the audience." And though Guarini's parents are
divorced, he felt the "Idol" experience drew the entire family closer.