Justin Guarini

• Birthplace: Columbus, Georgia
• Birthday: October 28, 1978

In April 2002, when bushy-haired, wide-grinning Justin Guarini, a cousin to actor Samuel L. Jackson, auditioned for what became the phenomenal hit Fox TV show “American Idol,” the 24-year-old was just a number – contestant 126. Six months later, he was voted American’s favorite male solo artist, coming in as first runner up to original champion Kelly Clarkson--and embarked on a seven week arena tour playing to over 200,000 fans from Seattle to New York with his fellow Idol contestants.

Guarini’s vocal talents were recognized at…more