Access Hollywood spoke with Justin Guarini’s mother Katherine Guarini, who alerted her son to the ‘American Idol’ auditions that have launched his sudden fame. “We never, I guess, fully anticipated the enormity of him getting that audition, going out to Pasadena and being in ‘American Idol’. ‘American Idol’ has, essentially, launched our son’s career,” said Katherine. Justin is extremely grateful for the support he has received from his loved ones. “My friends and family — I’m so thankful for them. They’ve been nothing but supportive. It’s so nice and just has given me every reassurance that I have ever needed.”

Jessica Shaw of Entertainment Weekly weighed in after last night’s ‘American Idol’ episode with thoughts on why judge Simon Cowell was absent and why did they pick the losers out instead of picking out those who advance. Of course the two that did get the boot were EJay Day and Jim Verraros. Shaw says her top two picks are Tamyra Gray and Justin Guarini. On the latter, she said, “I’m realizing that Justin has some serious ego issues. He acts so humble and thanks the judges profusely, but when the losers were announced tonight he sat alone and smugly smiled. Of course, having a big ego never hurt a pop star.” Read more.