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By Melissa Greenberg
Correspondent

Justin Guarini is back.

And he's extremely busy.

Recently, Guarini has been recording his third album, working on launching a new Web show called "Sketched Out" (which is absolutely hilarious - I watched it and was laughing out loud) and has been preparing for his Oct. 10 show at the Sellersville Theater with the jazz band Drivetime, with whom he recently recorded a cover of Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do" for its new CD.

"This is my opportunity to show my hometown people how much they mean to me," he says, "and what their support has given me over the years."

He crooned and serenaded his way into our hearts back in 2002 on the first season of "American Idol," and while he came in second place (the title went to Kelly Clarkson), he says he is happy with his experience.

"I honestly think that I would have been a flash in the pan. ... Kelly has an innate instinct for the business that (at the time) I did not. I don't think that I would have been able to stand up for myself and make the choices she did. That's why, when people say to me 'you should have won,' I smile and say 'I didn't lose.'"

He's right.

"I have the pleasure of doing what I love to do every single day. ... Could I be more famous? Yes. Could I be wealthier? Sure. But just because I'm not on the cover of magazines or winning awards, it doesn't mean that I'm not happy."

How refreshing.

Recently, we've been reading all about Jon and Kate, the Kardashian sisters and other attention-starved celebrities who look like they are addicted to the press. It seems as if Guarini could not be more opposite.

We rarely read about him. He recently showed up in the tabloids because of his marriage to Reina Capodici, his high school classmate who he began dating only after reconnecting a few years ago.

Guarini likes it that way.

"One of my favorite quotes is from Jim Carrey. It goes, 'I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.'''

Ah, it's so nice to hear something realistic from a celebrity once in a while.

I wish I could be at Guarini's show on the 10th instead of studying for my freshman midterms. After listening to what he had to say about his outlook on his career and his future and from watching his comedy sketches online, it seems like he would be an amazing person to see live - the kind of person who keeps you entertained throughout the entire show.

Not to mention that gorgeous voice of his that made me (and all the other "Idol" fans) fall in love with him years ago.

So although he hasn't been making headlines, he has been hard at work, making his fans (and himself) happy.

I guess it wouldn't be right to say that Justin Guarini is back.

Truth is ... he never left.

If You Go:

Justin Guarini

& Drivetime

will perform

at Sellersville Theater 1894,

Main Street & Temple Avenue,

Sellersville, PA 18960,

Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $25; cabaret, $35.

Info: 215-257-5808

or www.st94.com.

http://www.montgomerynews.com/articles/2009/10/01/entertainment/doc4ac392a766440132482996.txt