". Your email address will not be published. Justin and his wife Reina met in high school but the pair only started dating in the mid-2000s. As you can see, it doesnt exactly take much to deserve a Dr. Pepper. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. He made his Broadway debut in 2010 in Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown. Yes, That's Justin Guarini In That Diet Dr Pepper Commercial. In other news, Guarini recently appeared as Julio in a revival of Paint Your Wagon at New York City Center. These Dr. Pepper commercials might even be the only place youve seen him. He also played Prince Charming in the 2021 regional show, Once Upon a One More Time, the Britney Spears Jukebox Musical. Is Lil' Sweet a tiny pop star. Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. Now, 20 years after his American Idol debut, Justin has created a life for himself that he is happy about. Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. They were best friends throughout their time on the show and have remained friends to this day, with Justin making an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019. 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! Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. 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? The spot premiered during Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship. 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'. Dr. Pepper commercials often feature miniature musician Lil' Sweet Who is the little guy in the Dr. Pepper commercial? Jill ORourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like AGT, The Voice, and American Idol. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Chief Bell is first cousin to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson's wife, LaTonya. The album of reinvented jazz standards was described by Allmusic as "a successful reinvention where his natural skills shine", The Philadelphia Inquirer said that "Guarini displays an agile, attractive voice with good phrasing, supported by a sophisticated and funky backing ensemble.". 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. 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 performs in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade from time to time and has been a co-host throughout the years. Justin Guarini is back. Since 2015, the now 43-year-old has played Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials and web marketing. But while Justin was at the American Idol Experience, he confirmed his impending marriage to his fiance, Reina Capodici at that time. Justin Guarini is married to wife Reina Capodici. ", 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. SEE ALSO: KELLY CLARKSON HOSTS AMERICAN IDOL REUNION WITH JUSTIN GUARINI & ALL THREE SEASON 1 JUDGES! Justin Guarini, who finished second to Kelly Clarkson in season one of the reality singing competition, has been playing that part since 2015. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of . From acting on stage to raising a family to starring in a television ad, Justin has done it all. Real-Time Video Ad Creative Assessment. 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). 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. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. WATCH: Kelly Clarkson admits she once dated Justin Guarini. [10] Critics called Guarini's debut "surprisingly charming", "captivating" and "extremely likeable". 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. Soon after, Guarini signed with American Idol's 19 Management and secured a record deal with RCA. 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. but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. No one knows where he keeps it, though, the soft drinks YouTube channel states. Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. After its Broadway run, the live-filmed stage play was released in movie theaters. and they went on to co-star in the critically panned (but undeniably fun) musical vacation flickFrom Justin to Kelly. He was also considering a contract offer from an independent record label, but the show's rules prohibited participants from having existing record contracts. The season one runner-up "sings in the key of sweet. 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." [35] He was an executive producer for the 2015 revival of the musical Side Show. Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist. film did not receive great ratings from critics. He's no lifeguard, but he presents her with an ice-cold Diet Dr Pepper that gives him the shivers and makes her swoon. Of course we all remember From Justin to Kelly, the 2003 movie starring Guarini and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. 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. "I can say without a doubt that she will always be a friend and that I will always be, and have always been, one of her biggest fans," he told HuffPostin 2018. We use this field to verify if the person is not a bot and wont leave spam comments on the website. But Guarini has flown pretty under the radar since then. 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. The following year, iTunes promoted an album for the commercial mascot with video clips, promotional pictures, and a Twitter page for the character. Also, Who is Justin Guarini's wife? 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. 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. Sadly, the film did not receive great ratings from critics. Justin turned his focus from albums to performing live and took to stage and film acting. Just found out the dr. [16], In 2013, Guarini was cast in a modern Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as Paris. Justin recently appeared on the American Idol 20th anniversary episode on May 2, 2022. In 2004, he starred in the pre-Broadway presentation of Good Vibrations but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. The first Lil Sweet ad debuted in February. Lil Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. He attended Central Bucks High School East. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Of course, we all remember Guarini for competing against Kelly Clarkson on the first season of American Idol back in 2002. Justin isn't the only actor starring as a. Im not saying that 100% of National Championship Lil Sweet commercials lead to a #Bulldogs win, but. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. In 2013, he wrote a blog post about the struggles of his post-"Idol" life. You can connect with Justin Guarini on Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia. But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). They married a few months later in September 2009. Taking a break from releasing music, Justin became a co-host for Idol tonight and Idol Wrap from 2007 to 2011. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Justin Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 28, 1978. Wanting to continue his singing career, Justin independently released his second album, Stranger Things Have Happened Here. The first ever runner-up from the 2002 debut season of American Idol -- he lost to Kelly. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit, Let us know what you feel about this article. If you ask us, he deserves more just for that falsetto! 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. Justin joined boys choirs throughout his time in school and even became the lead vocalist in an acapella group called The Midnight Voices. [22], In 2015, he starred in the New York City Center Encores presentation Paint Your Wagon. Michele Amabile Angermiller. After studying vocal performance and theater studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Guarini later moved to New York City, where he attended the School for Film and Television. He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four. Lil' Sweet raises a can of Diet Dr Pepper and tells the dad he deserves it for building a house with a tiny tool. 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. 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 . Don't miss a beat. Lil Sweet comes to the rescue in the latest 30-second ad spot by bringing the zero-calorie beverage to a cupcake-filled birthday party. He has been performing theater for the past 10 years, including a handful of Broadway shows. American Idol season one runner-up Justin Guarini stars in a new ad campaign for Diet Dr Pepper. 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. Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy. co-star with her in the box-office bomb "From Justin to Kelly". Early life [ edit] Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. 6. 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. 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 worked in New York nightclubs, and auditioned for New York Theatre before successfully auditioning for American Idol in April 2002. Justin attended the University of the Arts, where he took up vocal performance and theater studies. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He appeared on other TV guide network shows, hosted movie premieres, and provided on-air coverage of award shows. returned in a new ad. 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. While continuing his career with the Broadway community, Justin is now focused on his family and has turned to TV commercials. You can view more details on Privacy and Policy. The Georgia-native singer ended up losing to pop songstress Kelly Clarkson, who now has several Grammy Awards to her name! ", "Telly Leung, Justin Guarini Among Cast of A Cappella Broadway Musical in Transit", "Wicked Star Justin Guarini and More Join NYCLU's Broadway Stands Up for Freedom", "Justin Guarini & Mary Testa Set to Host IMAGINE Concert to Benefit Brian Werbel Memorial Fund", "Justin Guarini & Krysta Rodriguez to Host BROADWAY ON THE HUDSON on 9/27", "Justin Guarini and Kerry Butler to Host Times Square Tony Awards Simulcast", "Justin Guarini and Deborah Cox Will Host Times Square Simulcast of Tony Awards", "16 Fun Facts We Learned on the Tonys Behind-the-Scenes Livestream Show", "Diet Dr Pepper Lil' Sweet Self Employed", "Diet Dr Pepper's Lil' Sweet Is Back, and Sweet-Talking All Over Your House, in New Ads", "What's next for Britney Spears fans? He also took on lead roles in numerous high school and college plays. [7], Guarini co-produced his second album Stranger Things Have Happened, independently released in December 2005 through his own production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. From there, Justin went on to star in American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, Wicked, Rent, Chicago, Company, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as well as many others. In 2006 he received the NAMM 'Music For Life' Award for his support of music education. Beck Bennett (AT&T) - $250,000 To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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! [43] He has been cast to reprise the role when the musical transfers to Broadway's Marquis Theatre in May 2023.[44]. 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. In a new Dr. Pepper commercial, Justin Guarini reprises his role as Lil' Sweet. Lil known fact about Lil Sweet: He sings in the key of sweet and always carries a spare six pack of Diet Dr Pepper with him. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). ", By He was primarily raised by his mother and his step-father, Jerry Guarini. 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! 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. It was reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Eldrin has 13 children - nine of whom are adopted. Although he did not win out, the two finalists were clearly pals (or more?) Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. The commercial, posted by iSpot TV, shows a "tiny man" riding a "tiny horse," singing to a couple of cowboys and then showing off with some rather flamboyant rope work. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. 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'. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. During that time, the singer also learned to play the guitar, piano, and banjo. 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. Published February 19, 2019 Advertiser Diet Dr Pepper Advertiser Profiles Facebook, Twitter, YouTube . 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. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. There he worked in nightclubs and auditioned for theater roles. I politely declined the offer of a role". Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. 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. [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. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. ", "Drink Up! From 2007 to 2011, TV Guide Network signed Guarini as permanent co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. Justin Guarini is an American singer and actor who is best known for his role .