‘AMERICAN Idol” run ner-up Justin Guari ni’s 15 minutes of fame may be up.
Guarini, 25, failed to show at Fox’s “American Idol” Christmas show last week – despite being advertised as one of the hosts – and now comes word that he may be dropped soon by his record label, RCA.
Guarini said in a statement that he didn’t show for the “AI” Christmas special due to “unresolved” contract issues.
“Because of several unresolved issues, I elected not to host the ‘American Idol Christmas Special’ on Fox despite being asked to do so by them.
“I am grateful for all that ‘American Idol’ has done for me and look forward to resolving my differences with 19 Management and again being part of the ‘American Idol’ family.”
Guarini finished behind Kelly Clarkson in the original “American Idol,” which wrapped in August ’02 – but it’s been tough sledding for him ever since.
While Clarkson’s first album, “Thankful,” has sold 1.7 million copies thus far, Guarini’s debut disc, “Justin Guarini,” has sold only 134,000 copies – spurring rumors that RCA is dropping him from its roster.
(By comparison, “AI2” runner-up Clay Aiken’s debut album has sold 1.3 million copies so far, according to industry figures.)
“Neither Justin nor I have been notified by RCA that he is no longer with them,” Guarini’s publicist, Jeff Ballard, told The Post yesterday.
A call to RCA didn’t exactly result in a ringing endorsement for Guarini. “At this moment, he is with the label,” an RCA spokesman said.