'American Idol' is easily one of the most successful talent reality show in television history! The series was first introduced to viewers back in 2002 with none other than Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson as the panel of judges, and a great one at that. While the judges have since changed drastically, so have their paychecks! Considering Katy Perry is making $25 million per season, it is clear to say that things are very different 19 seasons later.
When the first season aired, fans fell in love with finalists, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. While Kelly Clarkson has since gone on to become a music superstar post 'American Idol', it appears as if Justin Guarini didn't have as much luck. Despite coming in second, the star managed to make a name for himself on Broadway, leaving many of us to wonder just how much Justin Guarini is worth today.
How Much Is Justin Guarini Worth?
'American Idol' hit our TV screens for the first time 19 years ago, which is exactly when we were introduced to the first final two, Kelly Clarkson, and Justin Guarini. The duo was loved by millions, however, it was Clarkson that came out on top with the twin. Kelly went on to have a crazy successful career in music selling nearly 30 million albums worldwide and topping the charts over the course of her nearly 20-year long career. In addition to her 'American Idol' win, Kelly starred in the film 'From Justin To Kelly' alongside season 1 runner-up, Justin Guarini.
This was a contractual film that the two had to make post 'Idol,' which did not go down the way either Kelly or Justin wanted. Clarkson has even gone as far as admitting to not even wanting to make the movie, however, had it not been for the film, we wouldn't have seen much from Justin. The star, who is worth $700,000 today, says CelebrityNetWorth, found his way into music, however, things didn't take off for him until much later.
While Justin may not have won, he still got a record deal with 19 Entertainment, the production company that created 'American Idol.' This ultimately led to his two albums, 'Justin Guarini,' released in 2003, and 'Stranger Things Have Happened,' which came out in 2005. This was the last of it when it came to music for Justin, that is until he found his calling on Broadway!
The star debuted back in 2010 appearing in the Broadway production, 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.' In 2011, he went on to take the lead in 'American Idiot,' which was based on the 2004 Green Day album of the same name. His luck on Broadway didn't stop there, over the course of the last decade, Guarini has starred in 'Wicked,' and 'Romeo & Juliet,' to name a few, proving that his talents by no means went to waste!