Justin Guarini says career setbacks reshaped his path

Entertainment · First reported 8 Nov, 19:00 · Updated 19:25

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA/USGS · Public domain

Justin Guarini recalls losing his record deal and struggling after his early success on American Idol, then describes returning to live performances and building a career in television and Broadway. He says the experience taught him to keep going and helped lead to personal and professional growth.

Guarini was the runner-up on American Idol’s first season in 2002; in 2003, RCA dropped him, a setback he says he learned about while watching Saturday Night Live.
He describes months of isolation and low mood after his career stalled, then says performing at events such as state fairs helped him reconnect with singing.
After releasing an independent album in 2005, Guarini moved into television and Broadway, and later portrayed Lil’ Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper advertising. He recently released a book about confidence and owning one’s story.

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Key facts

American Idol: Guarini was the first-season runner-up in 2002.
Record label: He says RCA dropped him in 2003.
Debut album: His self-titled album debuted in the Billboard 200 top 20, according to the reports.
Later career: He made his Broadway debut in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in 2010.
Book: He recently released Center Stage Confidence: How to Own Your Story and Command Any Room.