TVSquad

American Idol is in full swing, but let's not forget where it all began. I caught up with Justin Guarini, who gave us his lowdown on the current season, bikini girl, and what it takes for an Idol to go the distance after the season ends.

TVS: So some Idols fade away and some – like you, for instance – are still in the public eye years later. What's the secret?

Justin:I can't speak for other idols, but I feel very blessed to have made it to the top two on season one. That season had such an impact on people, and even though I've been in and out of the spotlight, people remember me, whether it's for my hair or for my voice or whatever. You can't buy that. There's no amount of press you can do to stick in peoples' consciousness like that.

TVS: Is it harder for musicians than it used to be?

Justin: It's an extremely difficult climate we have in the industry, and it's all about product. There was a time, for example, when you had singers like Joe Cocker. He's not the most attractive man in the world and didn't have the greatest voice, but he had a great product. Then there was a shift and you have people like Britney Spears, who look really good, but might not necessarily have the talent. Now I think it's shifted back, and if you have a unique product, that's going to help you stay. You have to have good songs. You can't sing the same old rock songs or ballads and expect to get anywhere.

TVS: So, are you saying that Britney doesn't have talent?

Justin: I think Britney is very talented, and for a while, it was all about her talent. Really, she's an amazing entertainer. But unfortunately, she's mired in all this press. Guess what? Hasn't hurt her a bit. She's still the most Googled person in the world, and she's still selling records

TVS: Is it just me, or is Idol doing a lot more gimmicky stuff this year, with Bikini Girl and Norman Gentle and Tatiana?

Justin: I think the tricks that Idol is pulling out of their hat now are just a product of our society. We live in a short attention span society, and this is season eight. The ratings have declined slightly over the past few years, so they feel it's important to make it that much more interesting to watch.

TVS: Like Bikini Girl, who didn't have a great voice. Did they put somebody like that through for ratings?

Justin: I think it's absolutely 100% about ratings. About getting under Paula and Kara's skin. But at the end of the day, you and I are sitting here talking about it. Bikini Girl created a lot of buzz for American Idol, so it's good business.

TVS: What are your thoughts on the season so far? Do you have any favorites?

Justin: I haven't quite picked a favorite yet, but I think we're going to have a pretty talented bunch of kids. And at the end of the day, it's not about who has the best story, it's who has the best voice, the best star quality, and the most stamina. That's what it takes to be an American Idol.

TVS: I don't know how they get through Hollywood Week. It sounds brutal.

Justin: It is a challenge. There's a lot of focus and rehearsal, and it's a real crash course for the entertainment industry. You've got to hustle, and there's just no room for laziness in the industry today. The minute you take a seat and relax, ten other people are going to blow past you, trying to get to where you're going.

TVS: Do you keep in touch with some of the people from season one?

Justin: Every once in a blue moon, Kelly [Clarkson] and I will email to check in and say hi. But I'm in touch with more people from the seasons after that.

TVS: Tell TV Squad readers where they can find you these days.

Justin: I just returned for my second year of my American Idol blog for fancast.com. That's really cool, because I get to do a video blog and hear from fans about what they think. Then I'm on TV Guide Network, and I'm virtual hosting the Disney and American Idol Experience. And I do a radio show every week that's about Gone Country, as well as American Idol.

TVS: What's Gone Country?

Justin: John Rich, of the country duo Big and Rich, has a show where he takes seven people from outside the country genre who've had success in the music industry. Puts them in a house together, and it's a competition to see who can write the best country song. It's on Saturdays on CMT.

TVS: And you have a new album coming out?

Justin: Yes, this new album is really going to be a true representation of who I am as an artist. It's got all the influences I've had in my life. I would say the best category is rock soul. If people want to pick up a taste of it, they can go to my web site, justinguarini.com and pick up my acoustic EP.