(Justin's godparents are Prince Faisal and his former wife, Princess Azia of Saudi Arabia. ", His eponymous album debuted in June 2003, coinciding with the single releases of the current second season American Idol top two finalists and the movie From Justin to Kelly, in which Guarini co-starred with Kelly Clarkson. Its actually another American Idol alum (and another Justin), Justin Guarini and clearly self-employed rocker Lil Sweet is the role he was born to play. March 27, 2015. co-star with her in the box-office bomb "From Justin to Kelly". Who Is The Singer In The Diet Dr Pepper Commercial? Scroll down to find out what Justin Guarini is up to today. Justin joined boys choirs throughout his time in school and even became the lead vocalist in an acapella group called The Midnight Voices. [28] Also in 2016, Guarini was cast in Broadway's new In Transit, the first a cappella musical with book, music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, James-Allen Ford, Russ Kaplan, and Sara Wordsworth.[29]. In 2013, the singer actually sat down with Oprah, and revealed that his fame from American Idol may have helped his career, but it damaged his life. He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four. The judges were very impressed with his audition and couldn't believe he was still undiscovered. Dr Pepper & Cream Soda TV Spot, 'A Delicious Duet: Treat Pyramid Justin Guarini, now 38, rose to fame in 2002 when he became the first runner-up on the hit singing competition show. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Published. Dr Pepper Jinx Commercial (You Asked) - UpThirst After losing to Kelly Clarkson, he went on to co-star with her in the box-office bomb "From Justin to Kelly" and try his hand as a recording artist. [6], Guarini had a role in the 2004 pre-Broadway New York Stage and Film Powerhouse Theater workshop/presentation of the musical Good Vibrations at Vassar College. He also played Prince Charming in the 2021 regional show, Once Upon a One More Time, the Britney Spears Jukebox Musical. He was also considering a contract offer from an independent record label, but the show's rules prohibited participants from having existing record contracts. Justin performs in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade from time to time and has been a co-host throughout the years. The first ever runner-up from the 2002 debut season of American Idol -- he lost to Kelly. Fans of American Idol may recognize Lil' Sweet, the zazzy littlevery littlestar of Diet Dr. Pepper's new . But, now I knew I was onto something, and I wasn't letting go. Real-Time Video Ad Creative Assessment A tiny Justin Guarini emerges from the deep end of the pool as Lil' Sweet to give Mom a break from blowing up that giant inflatable swan. WATCH: Kelly Clarkson admits she once dated Justin Guarini. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). American Idol season one runner-up Justin Guarini stars in a new ad campaign for Diet Dr Pepper.. Guarini takes on an alter ego named Lil' Sweet in the commercial. A Shakespeare Theatre musical that may be headed to Broadway", "Briga Heelan, Justin Guarini, and Aisha Jackson Will Star in Broadway's, "American Idol finale: After 10 years, the beat goes on", "BWW CD Reviews: Broadway Records' WHERE THE SKY ENDS: THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL MOTT Awakens Dreamers", "USATODAY.com Guarini to star in 'Good Vibrations', "Ask a Star: Justin Guarini of American Idiot | Videos", "Full Cast Announced for Justin Guarini-Led RENT at Surflight", "American Idiot's Justin Guarini Will Star in Media Theatre's Chicago", "Talking with Justin Guarini, starring in 'Ghost Brothers of Darkland County' | Radio & TV Talk", "Justin Guarini Will Star in Muny Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Christian Camargo, Justin Guarini and Roslyn Ruff Join Cast of Broadway Revival of Romeo and Juliet - Playbill.com", "Christine Dwyer, Jenni Barber, Justin Guarini & More to Join Cast of WICKED in February", "Highlights From Paint Your Wagon With Keith Carradine, Alexandra Socha and Justin Guarini", "First Look at Keith Carradine, Alexandra Socha, and Justin Guarini in Paint Your Wagon", "Photo Call: First Look at Justin Guarini in Bucks County Playhouse Production of Company", "Justin Guarini, Rose Hemingway & More Will Star in MOONSHINE: THAT HEE HAW MUSICAL at Dallas Theater Center", "Justin Guarini Leads Cast of Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical", "Justin Guarini, Rachel Bay Jones, Michael Rupert, Sally Struthers Set for Reading of First Gentleman Musical", "Justin Guarini, Michele Ragusa and Euan Morton to Lead New Musical CAKE OFF at Bucks County Playhouse", "In Transit on Broadway: Justin Guarini joins a capella musical cast", "Read the Reviews for Britney Spears Jukebox Musical Once Upon a One More Time", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Justin_Guarini&oldid=1139771515, University of the Arts (Philadelphia) alumni, 21st-century African-American male singers, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 20:39. Coming in second jumpstarted his singing career and made him go down in Idol history as one of the greats. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Jerry reportedly has eight children, including Justin.At Lenape Middle School, Justin impressed Bucks County Music Festival director Donald Dumpson - a professor at Westminster Choir College and composer who has worked with notables like Patti LaBelle and Boyz II Men - so thoroughly that he canceled the rest of the auditions. The latest diet Dr. Pepper commercial featuring Lil' Sweet (played by American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini) is causing an uproar on social media this weekend. Via PledgeMusic, Justin released his 17-track EP, JG, in 2016. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The former "Idol" runner-up makes sweet music as Diet Dr Pepper's "Lil Sweet," looking unrecognizable in a long purple wig in the latest commercial titled "Birthday." Guarini starred in the 2015 original musical "Moonshine: The Hee Haw Musical" premiering at the Dallas Theater Center on September 2 through October 11,[25][26][27] and Mamma Mia! These Dr. Pepper commercials might even be the only place youve seen him. 'American Idol' alum Justin Guarini on how he became Diet Dr. Pepper's The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). Follow Lyndsey on Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Amazon, Tumblr, Vine, Spotify, Justin Timberlake posts sweet birthday message for 'dream of a partner' Jessica Biel, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works'. Justin Guarini is married to wife Reina Capodici. Gayuna Cealo, and a song for the documentary series Project Everlasting, in August 2006 and featured on the Today Show. But its pretty well-known that Lil Sweet is actually the Season 1Idol runner-up even if Justin is somewhat unrecognizable wearing Aqua-Netted long locks even lusher than his famous Sideshow Bob curls and a sparkly gypsy scarf that looks like it was plucked from ex-Idol judge Steven Tylers closet. Although he did not win out, the two finalists were clearly pals (or more?) The runner-up from the 2002 debut season of American Idol he lost to Kelly. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy. Now, what about the singer who had his "moment" as runner-up, Justin Guarini? Justin recently appeared on the American Idol 20th anniversary episode on May 2, 2022. The former "Idol" runner-up makes sweet music as Diet Dr Pepper's "Lil Sweet," looking unrecognizable in a long purple wig in the latest commercial titled "Birthday." In May 2008, Guarini released an acoustic EP titled Revolve comprising three songs ("Sweet Time", "Rock Bottom", and "When She Cries") co-written and co-produced with Shaun Ingram. Yes, That's Justin Guarini In That Diet Dr Pepper Commercial [18][19], Other stage work includes lead roles in regional productions of Rent, Chicago, Company and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Justin met his idol, Stevie Wonder, at Quincy Jones' birthday party held at Spago restaurant in LA on March 15, 2003.Justin has a large family-- he has nineteen brothers and sisters! Idol judge Simon Cowell praised Guarini's performance in the show's first season, at one early audition telling him "Justin, you know, occasionally you're very privileged when you do a competition like this to hear somebody undiscovered who has a voice like yours", with Guarini ultimately becoming the runner-up to winner Kelly Clarkson in September 2002. Shortly after he was accepted on the show, Guarini was offered a role on Broadway - he chose to stick with Idol. But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. It was reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Eldrin has 13 children - nine of whom are adopted. Justin Guarini as Lil' Sweet croons to the man that his hard work deserves a sweet Diet Dr Pepper. The couple tied the knot in 2009 after dating for three years. The Voices Team Ariana Sings Together in Cute New Video, Selena Gomez Talks About Losing Touch with Wizards of Waverly Place Castmates, Everything to Know About The Voice New Coach Niall Horan, 10 Things Got Talent Didnt Tell You About Marcelito Pomoy. Of course we all remember From Justin to Kelly, the 2003 movie starring Guarini and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Since coming in second to the now talk show host, the 41-year-old has appeared in numerous Broadway musicals, as well as, ahem, starring in the not-so-well-received movie From Justin to Kelly (via IMDb).The singer has also played 'Lil Sweet in Dr Pepper commercials for . Dr. Pepper commercials often feature miniature musician Lil' Sweet Who is the little guy in the Dr. Pepper commercial? RememberAmerican Idol Season 1, when an unknown, Texas-born singer named Kelly Clarkson rose to superstardom and had her "Moment Like This?" Post AI, he was given a standing offer to play the Emcee in "Cabaret" on Broadway (instead, he was required by management to do CD/movie promotion).Justin has since appeared and/or performed on numerous TV programs (most notably host of TVGuide Network's Idol Chat and Idol Tonight for several years),other live venues and events and has had extensive media coverage on entertainment news programs, news segments, and in magazine and newspaper articles; he has also completed a jazz album and an acoustic EP.Justin is a strong believer in helping others and is a spokesperson of Support Music Education. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. Teen Mom Cheyenne Floyd STUNS in tight white dress for over-the-top engagement photoshoot with fianc Zach Davis. By Madeline Boardman. Justin Guarini - Wikipedia In addition to singing and stage performing, Guarini plays the piano, guitar, and banjo. Advertisement. Diet Dr Pepper mascot Lil' Sweet and the Doctor himself team up in a "Sister Christian"-inspired power ballad that celebrates the two-in-one flavors of Dr Pepper & Cream Sodas. Justin as Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper Commercials, Justin with American Idol season two runner-up Clay Aiken, Justin performs onstage at the Winter Gala at Lincoln Center at Alice Tully Hall on February 13, 2018, in New York City. But while Justin was at the American Idol Experience, he confirmed his impending marriage to his fiance, Reina Capodici at that time. His sister says that he imitated Michael Jackson's style and was known to 'moonwalk' around the house. Justin and his wife Reina met in high school but the pair only started dating in the mid-2000s. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. Pepper mascot he first appeared as in a commercial in 2015, has returned in a new ad. Then, in 2008, the theater actor released a three-song EP titled Revolve, which was co-written by Shaun Ingram. The pint-sized heavy metal-soul man shows up at a suburban home unexpectedly where a childs birthday party is in progress to deliver zero calorie sweet treats., Kelly Clarkson Dishes on Justin Guarini, Miley Cyrus on Watch What Happens Live, He sings in the key of sweet and always carries a spare sixpackof Diet Dr Pepper with him, reads a description on the soft drinks YouTube channel. Lil' Sweet raises a can of Diet Dr Pepper and tells the dad he deserves it for building a house with a tiny tool. The runner-up from the 2002 debut season of American Idol he lost to Kelly Clarkson has reprised his role as Lil' Sweet in an odd series of Dr. Pepper commercials . In an exclusive pictorial of the wedding, People reported that the couple married on September 26, 2009. 320K views 5 years ago Dr Pepper Lil Sweet Commercials Compilation Justin Guarini. It was really a difficult decision," Guarini told TheaterMania. Natasha Marc plays the role of a Fansville resident. Justin's solo at the festival, "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," won him a standing ovation.Justin attended University of the Arts, Philadelphia, and School for Film & Television, New York City (1999-2000). He is also set to star as Bobby in the play Company at the Bucks County Playhouse from May 29 through June 21. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Duggar fans 'CRINGE' as Jim Bob and Michelle teach daughter Jessa and husband Ben how to KISS in 19 Kids & Counting clip, Taron Egerton splits from girlfriend of six years Emily Thomas after collapsing on stage and pulling out of theatre show, Watch Teen Mom Leah Messer RIP MTV cameras out of her car in explosive new show clip. Justin Guarini is back. The pint-sized heavy metal . ", "Theater Review: At Encores!, Paint Your Wagon", "First Look! Shortly after being chosen for American Idol, he was offered a role in the Broadway production of The Lion King. He attended Central Bucks High School East. Dr Pepper & Cream Soda TV Spot, 'A Delicious Duet: Anthem' Featuring He was a director/performer at the Riverside Haunted Woods in Bridgeton Township, Pennsylvania, in 2001. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Justin Guarini is in a new Diet Dr. Pepper commercial. From Idol to ads! Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Releasing music for Lil' Sweet inspired him to make music again. His first concert was The Jacksons' "Victory Tour." Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. Guarini shared his thoughts on Twitter following the launch of the new commercial. film did not receive great ratings from critics. In 2004, he starred in the pre-Broadway presentation of Good Vibrations but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy His father, Eldrin Bell, is African-American and is a former Atlanta, Georgia, Chief of Police, and former chairperson of the Clayton County Commission in Clayton County, Georgia. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. All Rights Reserved. View our online Press Pack. No, thats not the Darknesss Justin Hawkins or Stix Zadinia from Steel Panther rocking out in those new, going-viral-as-we-speak Diet Dr Pepper commercials. Diet Dr Pepper TV Spot, 'Lil' Sweet: Pool Toy' Featuring Justin Guarini Since then, she has, of course, become a massive star, proving all it took at least back then was a killer voice, a dream, and an audition number. Guarini participates in Equity staged readings of The Awakening of Angel DeLuna,[30] hosts and/or performs for various Broadway and stage-related benefits,[31][32] and other industry-related events including Broadway on the Hudson,[32][33] the Times Square Tony Awards Simulcast in 2014 and 2015,[34] adding executive producer duties in 2015. Justin Guarini Stars in Bizarre New Dr. Pepper Ad (Video) )Raised in central Bucks County, Pennsylvania, by mom Kathy Pepino Guarini and step dad Jerry Guarini, Justin was born in Columbus, Georgia, where his mom was an anchor for the local 'Action 9 News' on WTVM. Justin Guarini Returns as Lil' Sweet in New Dr. Pepper Ad 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. "Lil' Sweet is BACK, y'all!" says the rapper. He made his Broadway debut in 2010 in Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown. Lil' Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. In 2006 he received the NAMM 'Music For Life' Award for his support of music education. The beloved character has appeared in commercials since 2015. His mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, is Italian American, and was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. Since 2015, Guarini has been starring as Lil' Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper television commercials, and web marketing. 6. Now in his 40s, Guarini has had roles in a number of Broadway musicals, including Wicked, Romeo and Juliet, and American Idiot (per Broadway World). The late Nikki McKibbin, Justin, and Kelly at FOX-TVs American Idolin Los Angeles, Ca. Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Although he did live in Los Angeles for many years, Justin confirmed to Visit Bucks County that he moved back home to raise his family. His high school and college theatre credits include the lead roles in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Little Prince, The Pirates of Penzance, The Taming of the Shrew, and Once on This Island. Lil Sweet is BACK yall! Guarini wrote on Twitter after the new commercial premiered. From 'Idol' to Dr. Pepper? Justin Guarini Stars in Hilarious, Bizarre He went on to sign with 19 Management, landing a record deal with RCA. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. Aside from Lil' Sweet, Justin has continued to act, with his last two roles in 2018 and 2019. [7], Guarini co-produced his second album Stranger Things Have Happened, independently released in December 2005 through his own production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. Since 2015, the now 43-year-old has played Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials and web marketing. that at one point he and Kelly Clarkson's relationship did get romantic. After its Broadway run, the live-filmed stage play was released in movie theaters. Beck Bennett (AT&T) - $250,000 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Published February 19, 2019 Advertiser Diet Dr Pepper Advertiser Profiles Facebook, Twitter, YouTube . He has been performing theater for the past 10 years, including a handful of Broadway shows. in 2016. [22], In 2015, he starred in the New York City Center Encores presentation Paint Your Wagon. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. 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Usually, he advertises the diet version of the drink, but the new ad is for the regular soda. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. 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Justin guarini, who competed on american idol in 2002, plays the character and mascot of keurig dr pepper's lil' sweet. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry.