Justin Stein

"American Idol" was created to find the best new artist in the United States each season, but as we have seen, with a few exceptions, the premise has been less than successful. Not only has the show not found the best America has to offer each year; the show's powers that be have failed to notice a potential winner when they saw it. Case in point is the young Chicago native Justine Stein who has recently released his self titled debut album and wowed audiences last summer as he toured with "High School Musical" heart throb Corbin Bleu.

Justin is one of those rare should who always knew what he would do when he grew up. The realization came about when a five year old Justin took part in a talent show. He was the only child entered into the line up. Justin belted out his version of Al Jolson's "Swannee" and before Justin had finished singing the entire audience were on their feet clapping and cheering.

And so it began...juggling school, theater classes including voice lessons, and various theatrical productions in his hometown of Chicago and around the country. In baseball a player who hits, fields his position, and run the bases well is know as a five tool player; Justin Stein is entertainment's answer to the five tool player. Besides acting and singing Justin can dance play piano, and write his own songs.

While mastering his theatrical craft Justin has performed in "Gypsy", "A Secret Garden", "Bye, Bye Birdie", "Camelot which appeared on PBS, and appeared on the Rosie O'Donnell Show at Rosie's request; sharing the stage along the way with Patti LaPone, Gabriel Byrne, Christopher Lloyd, Fran Dreschel, and Stacey Keach. Since he began touring the concert stage Justin has shared the stage with Corbin Blue, Raven Symone, Jesse McCartney, and "American Idol" season six winner Jordin Sparks; and the great dance choreographer Shane Sparks worked on the video for the hit single "Loose Control".

With all his success young Justin has not forgotten the important things in life - family and friends - nor has he forgotten the fans. In conjunction with his latest single "Sweetest Girl" Justin has a contest asking female fans to send in a video telling him why they are the "Sweetest Girl" - check the website for complete details, videos, and to find out where you can see Justin live. Among the scheduled appearances is a fund raising even where Justin gets to exercise his inner Simon Cowell as a guest celebrity judge along with "American Idol" alum Paris Bennett. Justin says that he likes Cowell and usually agrees with "American Idol's" British judge. Justin adds that he hopes he won't be too cruel when it is his turn to judge performances.