Former ‘American Idol’ contestant Justin Guarini is heading to Broadway!

Most of us remember Justin Guarini as the singer who lost to Kelly Clarkson during the first season of “American Idol” in 2002. You probably don't remember him for much else, as Guarini has mostly flown under the radar since his "Idol" stint.

But now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the 34-year-old artist will add "Shakespearean actor" to his resume. Guarini will appear on Broadway alongside thespians like Orlando Bloom in “Romeo and Juliet,” which opens on Sept. 19.

Guarini will play Paris, the man betrothed to Juliet Capulet. You might remember that in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 version of William Shakespeare’s play, “Romeo + Juliet,” Paul Rudd was featured in the role of Dave Paris.

THR notes that this isn’t the first time Guarini has appeared on Broadway. Some of his previous roles include musicals like “American Idiot” and "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.”

Since his “Idol” days, Guarini married Reina Capodici in 2009. The couple has two sons together, William Neko Bell and Asher, in addition to Capodici’s daughter Lola.

The singer has also appeared on television shows like “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “Celebrity Ghost Stories” and in plays like “Rent,” “Chicago,” “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” and last year's production of “It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.”

In a review of “It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” writer Jennifer Connor praised Guarini, saying that he “[proved] his acting ability is just as strong as his vocal talents.”

We happy that it sounds like he’s improved since the 2003 movie musical “From Justin To Kelly.”
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