Justin Guarini, the charismatic runner-up from the inaugural season of American Idol, has found love again, this time with his business manager, Kim Walsh Phillips. The news comes after his divorce from wife Reina Guarini was finalized in late 2025, concluding a marriage that began in 2009.
Guarini, 47, and Phillips first connected professionally in 2022 when he began working with her as a keynote speaker. Their professional relationship deepened when Phillips officially became his manager in 2025, and it was during this time that their partnership blossomed into romance.
"Yes, we are very blessed to have a relationship that started first with the business we built together—working with entrepreneurs to grow their businesses," Phillips confirmed to E! News, "and has since developed into a romantic partnership of love."
Guarini's divorce from Reina was filed in June 2024, according to court documents. The former couple share two sons together, William, 14, and Asher, 13. Guarini was also a stepfather to Reina's daughter, Lola, 21.
Since going public with their relationship, Guarini has not been shy about expressing his admiration for Phillips on social media. In a heartfelt birthday tribute posted to Instagram in January, he praised her character and impact on his life.
"Every day I get to be a part of and witness the life of one of the most extraordinary humans I’ve ever known," he wrote. "Your heart, your mind, your generosity, your brilliance… it honestly blows me away. You’ve brought so much joy, purpose, laughter, and love into my world. I’m a better man, father, creator, and human because of you."
He concluded the post by calling her his "partner in business, in life, in vision, and in love," adding, "I’m endlessly grateful for you."
Guarini rose to national fame in 2002 on the first season of American Idol, finishing as the runner-up to Kelly Clarkson. He later starred alongside Clarkson in the 2003 film From Justin to Kelly and has since built a career in music and on Broadway.