Entrepreneur Kim Walsh Phillips says that she and the singer are “blessed” to have a relationship that has “developed into a romantic partnership of love.”

American Idol alum Justin Guarini’s new girlfriend speaks out amid news of singer’s quiet divorce

Entrepreneur Kim Walsh Phillips says that she and the singer are "blessed" to have a relationship that has "developed into a romantic partnership of love."

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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April 8, 2026 4:32 p.m. ET

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Kim Walsh Phillips and Justin Guarini. Credit:

Kim Walsh Phillips/Instagram

- Justin Guarini filed from divorce from his ex-wife, Reina, in 2024.

- His business partner, Kim Walsh Phillips, tells ** that her relationship with the singer has "developed into a romantic partnership of love."

- Guarini settled his divorce in December 2025.

Justin Guarini quietly dissolved his marriage to his ex-wife months ago — and now, his new partner is confirming their relationship.

Entrepreneur Kim Walsh Phillips, who worked professionally with the *American Idol* contestant on their Elite Speakers Network business and on their podcast *The JK Show: Public Speaking Profits*, tells ** that they are now enjoying a romance together.

"We are very blessed to have a relationship that started first with the business we built together — working with entrepreneurs to grow their businesses — and has since developed into a romantic partnership of love," Phillips says.

EW has reached out to Guarini for comment.

The singer, who was the runner-up on *American Idol*'s first season in 2002, filed for divorce from his ex-spouse Reina Capodici in June 2024, according to court records from Bucks County, Pa., reviewed by **. TMZ first reported the news. Records indicate that the ex-couple reached a settlement in the proceedings in December 2025.

Reina Capodici and Justin Guarini in New York City on June 11, 2017.

Jenny Anderson/Getty

Guarini and his ex share sons William, 14, and Asher, 13. The singer was also stepfather to Reina's daughter Lola.

Guarini and Reina first met in their youth in Pennsylvania, and eventually married in 2009. "We've known each other since we were 15. I was a student of her mother's in junior high and it's a small community, so I ended up getting to know her family," the singer told *TV Guide* that year. "It wasn't until Christmas two years or so ago that we connected and fell head over heels for one another."

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Guarini posted a lengthy tribute to Phillips to celebrate her birthday in January.

"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. "[Y]our heart, your mind, your generosity, your brilliance… it honestly blows me away."

Guarini continued, "You are one of the smartest people I know, but what matters even more is how deeply you care. How much you give. How much you lift others. How much love you bring into every room and every life you touch…especially mine."

Justin Guarini on 'American Idol' in 2002.

Kevin Winter/ImageDirect/FOX

The singer added, "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 — and I don't take that for granted for a second."

Guarini concluded his message, "Happy Birthday, honey…thank you for being my partner in business, in life, in vision, and in love. I'm endlessly grateful for you."

Phillips wished Guarini a happy birthday on Instagram in October. "Here's to your spotlight moment — and to Justin, whose voice (and heart) somehow just keep getting better with age," she wrote.

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After shooting to fame on *American Idol*, Guarini released two studio albums: 2003's *Justin Guarini* and 2005's *Stranger Things Have Happened*. The EPs *Revolve *and *JG* followed in 2009 and 2016. He also starred in the film *From Justin to Kelly* alongside Kelly Clarkson in 2003.

The singer then appeared in numerous theatrical musicals, including Broadway productions of shows like *Wicked*, *American Idiot*, and *Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown*. He also acted in regional productions of shows like *Chicago*, *Mamma Mia*, *Rent*, and *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat*.

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