Justin Guarini didn't score the winning ticket on American Idol. But that
didn't faze him. Not one bit. After all, he was voted the top male
vocalist on the first season of the American reality talent quest.

On his self-titled debut album, Guarini's penchant for soul and R&B is
evident on almost every track. On the opening track, One Heart Too Many,
flamenco guitar playing and subtle electronic flourishes complement the
young singer's plaintive vocals, while an orchestral version of Unchained
Melody shows off Guarini's ability to carry a classic pop song.

And, of course, the singer's first outing wouldn't be complete without a
duet with American Idol's top female vocalist, Kelly Clarkson. Their song,
Timeless, allows both performers a chance to belt it out and please their
faithful fans.

If Guarini's debut album sells anything like Clarkson's first album,
he'll be all set for the long haul. And while Clarkson edged him out for
the inaugural American Idol title, Guarini has something she didn't - two
"first" singles. He's releasing the dance track Sorry to Pay TV music
channels and to pop radio, and his version of Unchained Melody to R&B and
adult contemporary radio stations.

Guarini originally only planned to release just Sorry to show a
different side of his voice, like Clarkson did with Miss Independent. But
the demand for his version of the Righteous Brothers' hit - especially
after he performed the song on the season finale of the latest season of
American Idol - was so huge that he was persuaded into releasing the two
singles simultaneously.

Ballads and slow jams make up a good portion of Guarini's first album.
But his goal from the start was to produce an eclectic one. Apart from
ballads, Guarini also digs his heels into the uptempo stuff.

Brian McKnight also penned a song, Condition Of My Heart, which Guarini
describes as "the most vulnerable ballad of the lot" on the new album.
Guarini co-wrote If You Wanna with producer Wade Robson. (Although best
known as a choreographer, Robson has also worked on music with 'N Sync and
Britney Spears.) The song is being primed as the third single.

"Artistes like Justin Guarini are not slap-shot deals," says Jeamie Lee,
BMG Malaysia's Senior Promotions Executive. "Talent ultimately counts for
everything, and it's very clear that Justin has what it takes to move in
as a new generation pop star."

Between recording an album and touring, Guarini also found time to make
his film debut (opposite Clarkson) in From Justin To Kelly, a contemporary
version of the 1960s beach-blanket movies with then teen idols Frankie
Avalon and Annette Funicello.

Guarini and Clarkson share a natural confidence about their dream of
doing something outside their current image. Both agree that music is
tougher since everything they record is a reflection of themselves.

Unlike movies, where you're able to do different things, there is a
stronger tendency to be typecast in the music industry. For Guarini,
working in two mediums offers better odds for a long-lasting career.

If you've got Guarini's poster plastered on your wall, forget his
toothsome apple pie persona. He plans to explore edgier roles when the
opportunity comes around.

But even with all this activity, Guarini's actively promoting his debut
album which he feels accurately describes his musical state of mind.

Guarini's self-titled debut album, released by BMG Malaysia, is now
available in music stores throughout Malaysia.