Justin Eldrin Bell, better known as Justin Guarini (born October 28th, 1978) was a contestant on Season 1 of American Idol.
Audition[]
Justin auditioned in New York. He sang "Who's Lovin' You" by The Miracles. Paula and Simon voted "yes", sending him to the next round.
Hollywood Round[]
Justin was shown during the final part of Hollywood Round singing "Get Here" by Brenda Russell. He managed to make the Top 30.
Top 30[]
Justin sang "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder. He received enough votes that week to make the Top 10.
Top 10[]
Justin sang "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder. He received enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 8[]
Justin sang "Sunny" by Bobby Hebb. He receive enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 7[]
Justin sang "Someday We'll All Be Free" by Donny Hathaway. He was placed in the Bottom 2 for that week.
Top 6[]
Justin sang "Route 66" by Nat King Cole. He received enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 5[]
Justin sang "The Look of Love" by Dusty Springfield. He received enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 4[]
Justin sang "Get Here" by Brenda Russell and "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" by Michael Jackson. He received enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 3[]
Justin sang "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John. He received enough votes to advance to the finale.
Season 1 Finale[]
Justin sang "Before Your Love", "Get Here" by Brenda Russell and "A Moment Like This". During the Finale, it was revealed that he was the runner-up and that Kelly Clarkson beat him out in voting.
After the Show[]
Justin achieved some success after Idol. His debut album released on June 2003, to coincide with the film From Justin to Kelly. While the film was critically panned, the album sold over 140,000 copies.
Since 2015, Guarini has appeared in Dr. Pepper commercials as "Lil' Sweet".
Justin served as a mentor for Season 21's Hollywood Round, mentoring in the "Stage Presence" category" alongside Jordin Sparks.
| Season 1 |
| Finalists |
| Kelly Clarkson · Justin Guarini · Nikki McKibbin · Tamyra Gray · R.J. Helton · Christina Christian · Ryan Starr · A.J. Gil · Jim Verraros · EJay Day |
| Semifinalists |
| Christopher Aaron · Kelli Glover · Alexis Lopez · Angela Peel · Chris Badano · Khaleef Chiles · Kristin Holt · Tanesha Ross · Melanie Sanders · Mark Scott · Alexandra Bachelier · Jamar · Jazmin Lowery · Gil Sinuet · Tenia Taylor · Natalie Burge · Rodesia Eaves · Brad Estrin · Adriel Herrera · Justinn Waddell |