• 'American Idol' runner-up Justin Guarini gets record contract

  October 9, 2002
  Billboard.com reports that "American Idol" Justin Guarini has signed a recording contract with "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller's U.K.-based 19 Recordings Limited. His as-yet-untitled and unscheduled debut solo album will be subsequently licensed to RCA for U.S. release.

• 'American Idol's Tamyra to guest star on FOX's 'Boston Public'??

  September 18, 2002
  Variety reports that "American Idol" finalist Tamyra Gray could soon be returning to Fox -- as an actress. The singer, whose early elimination in the competition generated howls of protest from viewers, is talking to the producers of Fox's "Boston Public" about coming onboard for a multi-episode arc. Meetings are in the preliminary stage, but given TV's quick turnaround capabilities, it's not impossible that Gray could pop up as soon as November.

• 'American Idol' judge Simon signs runner-up Justin Guarini to contract

  September 7, 2002
  E! Online reports that 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell says he will sign Justin Guarini to a management contract. Cowell has already signed 'Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson and semifinalist Tamyra Gray to management contracts.

• Justin slight favorite to win 'American Idol'

  September 3, 2002
  Reuters reports that Kelly may have the voice, but Justin's funky hair, confident air and legion of teenage girl fans give him a slight edge to win a recording contract when the Fox television network crowns its first "American Idol" on Wednesday, a Las Vegas oddsmaker said. The hunky Justin Guarini is the 5-to-6 favorite to win the first edition of Fox's summer hit "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar," said John Avello, director of race and sports operations at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas.

• 'Idol' Talent Race Reaches Fever Pitch on Fox, draws 16+ million viewers

  August 30, 2002
  Reuters reports that the frenzy surrounding television hit "American Idol" reached fever pitch late on Wednesday as the Fox TV talent search narrowed its list of contenders to the soulful Kelly Clarkson and hunky Justin Guarini in front of millions of prime time viewers. In the course of the contest, "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" has won some of the summer's highest viewer ratings and on Wednesday attracted its biggest audience yet.

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