Gayuna Cealo, and a song for the documentary series Project Everlasting, in August 2006 and featured on the Today Show. Guarini shared his thoughts on Twitter following the launch of the new commercial. Of course, we all remember Guarini for competing against Kelly Clarkson on the first season of American Idol back in 2002. 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 . Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist. Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy. He has also helped raise funds for Habitat For Humanity, Rockers on Broadway, Broadway's Kitchen Sink, the Children's World Organization, the Foundation for Global Harmony and donated items to a Little Kids Rock auction.In 2011, Justin made his Broadway debut as "Carlos" in "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" followed by "Will" in "American Idiot" on Broadway; "Roger" in "Rent" at Surflight Theatre on Jersey Shore; staged reading as "Priest" in Bill T. Jones', "Superfly the Musical" in New York; "Billy Flynn" in "Chicago" at The Media Theatre of Performing Arts in Philadelphia; "Joseph" in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at The Muny; "Drake" in Stephen King's and John Mellencamp's "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" in Atlanta; as "Jake Laurents" in "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at Bucks County Playhouse; cast as "Paris" in "Romeo and Juliet" with Orlando Bloom on Broadway in 2013; and began as "Fiyero" male lead in "Wicked" on Broadway, February 2014. Meanwhile, lest we forget Guarini, the curly-haired singer impressed audiences and charmed his way to the finals alongside Clarkson. 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. We use this field to verify if the person is not a bot and wont leave spam comments on the website. In 2004, he starred in the pre-Broadway presentation of Good Vibrations but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. [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]. Son, William Neko Bell Guarini was born April 26, 2011; Asher Orion Guarini was born February 25, 2013. [38][39][40] In 2016, Dr Pepper "promoted" tunes for a Lil' Sweet "album" with video clips, promotional pictures of the character, and the character's own Twitter page. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. 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. He did reveal to E! 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. Though perhaps not every moment post-Idol has been easy, Guarini is extremely proud of his former competitor Kelly Clarkson. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Bruce Springsteen & Steven Van Zandt Pay Tribute to Late Director Jonathan Demme, The Voice Key Adviser Shania Twain Reveals the Soccer Inspiration Behind From This Moment On: Exclusive, Fifth Harmonys Normani Kordei Talks Dancing With The Stars, Girl Group Night and New 5H Music. Not On RCA Records, Apparently Music, Celebrity, Artist News", "Idol Star Guarini Leaves Company of Good Vibrations", "American Idol's Justin Guarini Marches Down the Aisle", Justin Guarini Joins Broadway's Women on the Verge; Casting Complete, "Justin Guarini's 'Breakdown' getting a beatdown from theater critics", "Broadway's 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' lacks an edge", "Theater review: 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' at the Belasco Theatre | Culture Monster", "Davey Havok, Justin Guarini, Van Hughes Will Be New Leads of Broadway's American Idiot", "Justin Guarini Welcomes Son William Neko", "Broadway s Romeo and Juliet with Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad Coming to Fathom Events Network of Movie Theaters Nationwide", "Justin Guarini Nabs Lead in 'Wicked' on Broadway", "Caroline Bowman and Kara Lindsay Will Be Broadway's New Wicked Witches; Robin De Jesus, Matt Shingledecker to Also Join Cast", "Emily Skinner, Shuler Hensley, Justin Guarini Set for GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY Workshop, 12/5", "Photo Flash: First Look at Justin Guarini, Lauren Molina, Jill Paice and More in Bucks County's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE", "Review: 'Paint Your Wagon,' Starring Keith Carradine, Opens at Encores! and they went on to co-star in the critically panned (but undeniably fun) musical vacation flickFrom Justin to Kelly. In 2011, he and Reina welcomed their first child together, a son named William Neko Bell Guarini. Now, 20 years after his American Idol debut, Justin has created a life for himself that he is happy about. [4] Throughout his school years Guarini sang in school choirs, and from 1996 to 2000 was the lead soloist in an award-winning a cappella group named The Midnight Voices. A middle school acquaintance was fellow choir member at the time, pop singer Pink.In 1996, Justin helped to form an a Capella group with school friends. One year later, Justin kept up with his public appearances by attending the grand opening of The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Natasha Marc plays the role of a Fansville resident. On-air duties with the network expanded to include guest hosting/appearances on other TV Guide Network shows, hosting movie premiere specials, and serving as a member of TV Guide Network's awards show team with on-air coverage of awards shows such as the Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of Georgia. The beloved character has appeared in commercials since 2015. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. In the end, Justin became the runner-up on the first season of the competition show, losing to Kelly Clarkson. In the new ad, Guarini, nearly unrecognizable in his long purple wig, plays an undersized singer named Lil Sweet, who can defy gravity and hear when you cry on the inside. The Midnight Voices CD can be purchased. Chief Bell is first cousin to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson's wife, LaTonya.Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist.Mom Kathy is a former TV journalist and anchor at CNN and is now a freelance broadcast journalist and Realtor in Doylestown. By Madeline Boardman. JUSTIN Guarini is best known for being the runner-up on season one of American Idol, but what has he been up to since? If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Fans of American Idol may recognize Lil' Sweet, the zazzy littlevery littlestar of Diet Dr. Pepper's new . Lil Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. He studied vocal performance and theatre in Philadelphia and New York before auditioning for American Idol in 2002. During the thrilling first season of Idolin 2002, when America had found its new pop culture craze and Brian Dunkleman was still a co-host, Clarkson came to embody the show's promise right out of the gate. Prior to the American Idol Tour, he was the only contestant asked to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show, on which Oprah Winfrey told him, "Justin, you have it. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Dr. Pepper commercials often feature miniature musician Lil' Sweet, Justin Guarini almost won the first season of American Idol, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2012), It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (2012). The singer has been married to his wife Reina Capodici since 2009. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. [41][42] In 2016 Guarini released his exclusive 17 track EP "JG" via PledgeMusic. [citation needed], In 2021, Guarini starred as Prince Charming in the world premiere of the jukebox musical Once Upon a One More Time. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). This time, he shows up to give a can to people who deserve it. It was reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Eldrin has 13 children - nine of whom are adopted. In the ad, Lil Sweet defies gravity by sliding down the banister as he rescues two dads craving a cupcake, but fearful of the calories. View our online Press Pack. Then in 2013, his wife gave birth to their second son, whom they named Asher. Despite not winning on "Idol," Guarini scored a record deal with RCA. Via PledgeMusic, Justin released his 17-track EP, JG, in 2016. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. He has been performing theater for the past 10 years, including a handful of Broadway shows. The late Nikki McKibbin, Justin, and Kelly at FOX-TVs American Idolin Los Angeles, Ca. [18][19], Other stage work includes lead roles in regional productions of Rent, Chicago, Company and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Clad in red and white getups, the two stars rock out to a full house of deliriously happy, soft drink-guzzling fans, one of whom is rendered unconscious by the pyrotechnic excitement of this "delicious duet." Just found out the dr. He's also acted in independent film projects such as the drama and action film Fast Girl, The Unknown: Frankie The Squirrel, Mafioso II: The Son and short film Tilt-a-Whirl for the Dances With Films festival. Early life [ edit] Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. Top 5 Most Exciting Diet Dr Pepper Lil Sweet Feat Justin Guarini Commercials 2017 [Mr Elzone] Mr Elzone 356 subscribers Subscribe 2.3K views 5 years ago Top 5 Most Exciting Diet Dr. Then, in 2008, the theater actor released a three-song EP titled Revolve, which was co-written by Shaun Ingram. 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." Justin attends the 99th Annual 6abc Dunkin Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22, 2018, Where American Idol season 1 finalist Justin Guarini is now- from Kelly Clarksons pop singer BFF to Dr. Pepper ad star, Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent reveals she's undergoing plastic surgery makeover after split from baby daddy Randall Emmett, Rita Ora adopts cute puppy called Honey which has the 'loudest snore in the world'. Justin Guarini is best known for his time on season one of American Idol Credit: Getty 9 He is now known as Little Sweet in the Dr. Pepper commercials Credit: Dr Pepper Born on October 28, 1978, in Columbus, Georgia, Justin was raised in the Philadelphia, PA, suburb of Doylestown. but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. Sadly, the film did not receive great ratings from critics. . Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. He was primarily raised by his mother and his step-father, Jerry Guarini. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. Don't miss a beat. The Idol alum continues to direct and produce musicals. See Justin Guarini and Rose Hemingway Go Country in Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical", "Justin Guarini Joins the Muny Cast of Mamma Mia! American Idol season one runner-up Justin Guarini stars in a new ad campaign for Diet Dr Pepper. Guarini wrote about his decision between the two offers in his exclusive 2008 blog for the television site, Fancast, stating, "I had attended master classes I learned Zulu and Sotho phrases, as well as the music from the show. 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. Seriously, if Justin Guarini had looked and sounded like this back in Season 1, I totally would have voted for him. 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. Justin joined boys choirs throughout his time in school and even became the lead vocalist in an acapella group called The Midnight Voices. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. In the past 30 days, commercials featuring Justin Guarini have had 72,728 airings. As you can see, it doesnt exactly take much to deserve a Dr. Pepper. Usually, he advertises the diet version of the drink, but the new ad is for the regular soda. While stepping out to support the opening of The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios[8] in February 2009, Guarini confirmed his impending marriage to his fiance, Reina Capodici. He attended Central Bucks High School East. Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell; October 28, 1978)[1] is an American singer, songwriter and actor who in 2002 was the runner-up on the first season of American Idol. "I'm not claiming that every Lil' Sweet advertisement during the National Championship leads to a Bulldogs victory, but . Justin Guarini Stars in Bizarre New Dr. Pepper Ad THR Staff March 27, 2015, 4:24 PM Justin Guarini is back. in 2016. Pepper mascot he first appeared as in a commercial in 2015, has returned in a new ad. [16], In 2013, Guarini was cast in a modern Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as Paris. Other professional performances Guarini has starred in include: Good Vibrations (2004) The Awakening of Angel DeLuna (2009) American Idiot (2011) Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, Love Island's Olivia Hawkins breaks silence as she returns to the UK, Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 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. . During that time, the singer also learned to play the guitar, piano, and banjo. He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four. He's no lifeguard, but he presents her with an ice-cold Diet Dr Pepper that gives him the shivers and makes her swoon. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of . Is Lil' Sweet a tiny pop star. Guarini takes on an alter ego named Lil Sweet in the commercial. Aside from From Justin To Kelly, he has also starred in Fast Girl, Forgotten Son, Wizards of Waverly Place, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and independent films. Lil' Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. 2010present: Acting, hosting and performing, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, "Today's famous birthdays list for October 28, 2022 includes celebrities Julia Roberts, Matt Smith", "Atlanta Boy Choir to perform at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit | News", "Justin Guarini in world premiere of Stephen King musical", "Where's Justin Guarini These Days? [43] He has been cast to reprise the role when the musical transfers to Broadway's Marquis Theatre in May 2023.[44]. Luckily, in Guarini's case, Idol was just the beginning! If you ask us, he deserves more just for that falsetto! From acting on stage to raising a family to starring in a television ad, Justin has done it all. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) The Recap Group. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Talent Recap is the only independent website that is exclusively dedicated to the fans of the most popular talent shows around the world. Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. 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 . Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Justin attended the University of the Arts, where he took up vocal performance and theater studies. He went on to sign with 19 Management, landing a record deal with RCA. Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. 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! Justin was nationally voted runner-up on the debut season (2002) of "American Idol - The Search for a Superstar", in which there had been over 10,000 to audition. Wanting to continue his singing career, Justin independently released his second album, Stranger Things Have Happened Here. 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). Justin Guarini is an American singer and actor who is best known for his role . Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. Im not saying that 100% of National Championship Lil Sweet commercials lead to a #Bulldogs win, but. The pint-sized heavy metal . He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four.