DEAR STACY: Was Whitney Houston really under consideration as an "X Factor" judge, or is that just a story made up after her death? — Sean M., Chattanooga, Tenn.

DEAR SEAN: According to the show's L.A. Reid, there was "interest" in the late pop star, but the idea never went as far as show reps actually approaching her.

DEAR STACY: The song in the Hewlett-Packard DV6T commercial with all the different nationalities and instruments is familiar, and I'd really like to know what it is. Please help. — Mary M., Webster City, Iowa

DEAR MARY: You are referring to the Violent Femmes' 1983 song "Blister in the Sun" — which many people never would have expected to see performed by a mariachi band or a classical violinist.

DEAR STACY: Whatever happened to Justin Guarini? — J.R., Warren, Ohio

DEAR J.R.: Apparently you've missed his on-air hosting gig for the TV Guide Network — for "Idol Wrap," "Idol Tonight" and other shows, as well as event coverage. He's also turned up doing commentary for the "Today" show, VH1's "Top 20 Countdown," Fox News, MSNBC and other outlets. Guarini did back-to-back Broadway shows, with "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" in 2010, followed by a turn in "American Idiot" last year.

So he's a busy dude, despite his disappointing first post-"Idol" efforts. He was constrained by contractual agreements that prevented him from putting out an album until the year after his "Idol" run, which certainly cost him his best opportunity to take advantage of the public interest in him. His music and acting career momentum was further damaged by the disastrous showing of "From Justin to Kelly," his movie with Kelly Clarkson. Married since 2009 to Reina Capodici, he's the father of a 10-month-old son, William Neko Bell Guarini.

DEAR STACY: I heard that Robert Hegyes, who played Epstein on "Welcome Back, Kotter" died. He wasn't that old. What happened to him? — K.R.S., Cape Coral, Fla.

DEAR K.R.S.: Hegyes died of a heart attack Jan. 26. He was 60.

To find out more about Stacy Jenel Smith and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.