American Idol: Interview With Season One's Justin Guarini

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:30:35 -0700

So I'm roaming around the San Francisco American Idol auditions, having no problem getting people to sing for me, when who should I bump into but Justin Guarini! You may recall Justin lost to Kelly Clarkson in the first ever Idol finale, but that hasn't stopped him from trucking along in his career: He's currently covering all things Idol for TV Guide and doing a little singing as well (check out his MySpace page for a sample of his songs).

I asked the Idol forefather a couple of questions including how the addition of instruments has changed the show and which David he was rooting for last season.

And you know what? I'm not gonna lie, he's pretty cute in person.

To watch my short video, read more.

Source

American Idol: A Morning in the San Francisco Auditions Line

BuzzSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:30:28 -0700

It's baaaa-aack! Just when you think you're out, they pull you back in! OK, that's a bit melodramatic but that's a little how I felt when I headed down just south of San Francisco to check out the first set of folks lining up to audition for the eighth season of American Idol. Feels like just yesterday we crowned David Cook the winner and yet, here we are, back at the beginning.

And for some people, this beginning couldn't come quickly enough. Despite the fact that it was very early (6 a.m.!) and the line was very long, the folks I met were as pumped as ever, clearly inspired by last season and ready for their chance at singing stardom.

As I approached the line to talk to some of the auditioners, I thought I might have to pry them to sing for me - not so! Turns out, wielding a microphone and a camera around thousands of people hoping to be famous is like holding a magical singing wand. They saw my mic as I wandered by and just started belting away! It was. . . amazing, and their enthusiasm was contagious.

After the jump, watch my video of hopefuls, including a guy whose journey to the auditions made the front page of his local paper, a self-proclaimed "Trader Joe's Idol," and my favorite: A lovely rendition of Boyz II Men's "End of the Road." To judge for yourself if the next Idol will come from this city by the bay, read more!

Photo courtesy of Fox