Arriving October 6, the Broadway star, longtime entertainer and entrepreneur offers professionals a practical framework for building real-world confidence
FURLONG, Pa., Oct. 5, 2026 — Justin Guarini, keynote speaker, confidence coach and seven-time Broadway leading man, releases “Center Stage Confidence: How to Own Your Story and Command Any Room” on October 6. Published by Entrepreneur Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, the book is for professionals who go silent in meetings, lose their words in front of an audience, or hold themselves back from opportunities they have already earned, helping them build the confidence to own their story, step forward and command the rooms that matter most.
Guarini first reached a national audience in 2002 as runner-up to Kelly Clarkson on the first season of “American Idol,” which returns for its 25th season in 2027. Nearly 30 million viewers watched the finale. Since then, Guarini has built a career spanning music, television, Broadway and business, including seven Broadway productions, a seven-year run as Lil’ Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper’s national advertising campaign, and voice work as Cat Burglar on Disney Junior’s “SuperKitties.” He has also hosted red carpets for the Grammys, Emmys and Tonys and worked with entrepreneurs and executives as a speaker and coach.
“Center Stage Confidence” turns more than two decades of performing, leading and building businesses under pressure into a practical system readers can apply in their own lives and careers. Far from a celebrity memoir or motivational book, it combines Guarini’s experiences with real-world exercises designed to help readers practice confidence where it matters most; from boardrooms and sales calls to difficult conversations, presentations and high-stakes opportunities.
The book also features conversations with Michael Bublé, Jordan Fisher, Amber Ruffin, Chalene Johnson, Kim Walsh Phillips and Russell Brunson, exploring how their habits, failures and defining moments helped them thrive under pressure.
“Real confidence is not about always feeling ready,” said Guarini. “It’s about trusting yourself enough to show up in the moments that matter, especially when your stomach is doing backflips.”
Readers learn how to:
- Turn pressure into presence through practical, real-world exercises they can immediately put to use.
- Build confidence through action instead of waiting until they feel ready.
- Find mentors and allies while developing a more authentic and powerful presence.
- Use facial expressions, vocal tone and body language to communicate with greater impact.
Guarini will mark launch day with the Center Stage Authority Bootcamp, a free, full-day event held in Atlanta and livestreamed online.
“Center Stage Confidence” is available for pre-order at centerstageconfidence.com. Readers who purchase the book and redeem their pre-order receive more than $2,000 in exclusive bonuses designed to help them put the principles of the book into action immediately. The Center Stage Confidence Bonus Pack includes a ticket to the Center Stage Book Launch Livecast, the Center Stage Confidence Workbook, the Core Four Planner, storytelling framework templates and a bonus video series.
Bulk copies for companies and conferences are also available.
For keynote and speaking inquiries, visit justinguarini.com.
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About Justin Guarini
Justin Guarini is a keynote speaker, confidence coach, author and seven-time Broadway leading man who helps founders, executives and teams turn hard-earned expertise into visible authority. His signature keynote, “The Confidence to Fail,” teaches audiences to treat rejection, mistakes and endings as rehearsal rather than identity, a message he expands on in his new book, “Center Stage Confidence: How to Own Your Story and Command Any Room.” Guarini first became known to millions as runner-up on the inaugural season of “American Idol.” His career since has spanned Broadway, television, voice acting, entrepreneurship and national advertising, including seven Broadway productions, his seven-year run as Lil’ Sweet for Diet Dr. Pepper and his recurring role as Cat Burglar on Disney Junior’s “SuperKitties.” He has also hosted Grammy, Emmy and Tony red carpets, along with national television and corporate events. For more information about Justin Guarini, visit justinguarini.com.
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