As American Idol goes full swing into another season, it's easy to forget about some of the faces of the past. Sure, we are reminded of the Kelly Clarksons each time we turn on the radio, the Jennifer Hudsons each time we watch an awards show, and the Corey Clarks each time we see an episode of Cops. But what about those who don't make the press? Do they have other projects going on or have they simply become American idles?
There are no American Idol contestants we have forgotten about quite as much as those from season one. It was bound to happen this way: we often forget about the match that starts the fire. Yet, many of the contestants from season one have found their own voices, some through music and some through other endeavors.
Justin Guarini: As the runner-up in season one, Justin Guarini was arguably the most talented male vocalist on the show. Following his success, he went on to star in the ill-received From Justin to Kelly. His music seemed ill-received as well and the record deal he procured months earlier busted when he was dropped from RCA. Refusing to throw in the towel, Justin continued to release his music through his own production company, Justice Entertainment.
Since 2005, he has released two albums and is working on a third. He is also going back to acting (as someone who saw From Justin to Kelly, I can only say "Thank God"), and has been cast as a race car driver for the upcoming movie Fast Girl. Leaving no media unturned, he broke into television by signing with the TV Guide Channel as a host for Idol Chat and Idol Tonight. Out of the spotlight, Justin serves as an advocate for music in the classrooms. Since 2004, he has been the national spokesman for the Support Music Education campaign.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Justin Guarini had great hair. That's all I remember about him -- that hair. Reminded me a character on The Simpsons.
2 - Kaonashi
I heard that Dunkleman left because he didn't like the way the contestants were treated, not just by Simon, but by the whole AI system.
Will you be talking about forgotten ex-contestants from other seasons in future articles? I'd be curious to know what's happened to them.
3 - Lara
Not a bad summary, but I'm always dumbfounded by the way Tamyra Gray's information is misrepresented. For example:
-Gray was dropped by two labels (Jive and 19 Records), but it's never mentioned.
-Nor is her one album described as "ill-received", although it sold less in over a year than Guarini's "ill-received" album did in the scant 16 weeks he was given by RCA.
-Her role in Boston Public was a limited guest role lasting only a few weeks. Other television spots were one shot guest roles (in most cases a cameo), with the exception of the two episodes on Tru Calling .
-Bombay Dreams closed early due to poor tickets sales and tepid reviews ("ill-received"), eight weeks into Tamyra's planned limited engagement of 11 weeks.
-She's been out of the spotlight for over two years, with the exception of her minor work for Jessica Simpson's album alongside her husband who was a main contributor on the album.
Warts and all... for everyone. Otherwise, it's a lopsided mispresentation.
4 - Lauren
How about a thing for Ryan? Ejay? RJ? Christina? AJ? 'Cause you know they didn't just drop off of the face of the earth
5 - Greg Gonedes
What ever happened to Christina Christine. She was so pretty and glamorous. I really liked her next to kelly clarkson and tamyra gray. she place 3 rd in my book. Can you email me updates on her were abouts today.
Thank you