During that time, the singer also learned to play the guitar, piano, and banjo. RememberAmerican Idol Season 1, when an unknown, Texas-born singer named Kelly Clarkson rose to superstardom and had her "Moment Like This?" 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. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. Justin and his wife Reina met in high school but the pair only started dating in the mid-2000s. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. film did not receive great ratings from critics. but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. The film was critically panned,[5] while the album sold 146,000 copies. and they went on to co-star in the critically panned (but undeniably fun) musical vacation flickFrom Justin to Kelly. Lil' Sweet & The Doctor of Dr Pepper Records play the "Dr Pepper & Cream Soda Theme" as they promote Dr Pepper & Cream Soda and Diet Dr Pepper & Cream Soda -- two new drinks said to constitute a delicious duet. Beck Bennett (AT&T) - $250,000 Of course we all remember From Justin to Kelly, the 2003 movie starring Guarini and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. All Rights Reserved. He continues his Broadway and theater career in 2015 with "Paint Your Wagon" an Encores presentation by New York City Center and "Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical" at Dallas Theatre Center.Justin married hometown sweetheart Reina Capodici September 26, 2009 at a Hudson River estate in Pennsylvania, with vows that included step-daughter, Lola. Luckily, in Guarini's case, Idol was just the beginning! He attended the 2016 Tony Awards, where he co-hosted backstage coverage of the live show. 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 . Justin Guarini, who finished second to Kelly Clarkson in season one of the reality singing competition, has been playing that part since 2015. Justin turned his focus from albums to performing live and took to stage and film acting. 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." The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The singer has been married to his wife Reina Capodici since 2009. There he worked in nightclubs and auditioned for theater roles. Guarini actually turned down the opportunity to perform inThe Lion Kingso that he could be on American Idol a show that, at that time, was a risk to join. 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. Dr. Pepper commercials often feature miniature musician Lil' Sweet Who is the little guy in the Dr. Pepper commercial? Pepper mascot he first appeared as in a commercial in 2015, has returned in a new ad. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of . Then in 2013, his wife gave birth to their second son, whom they named Asher. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. [16], In 2013, Guarini was cast in a modern Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as Paris. 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. But Guarini has flown pretty under the radar since then. 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. From 2007 to 2011, TV Guide Network signed Guarini as permanent co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. 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. 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.". 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. Dad Eldrin Bell is a former Atlanta police chief and Clayton County (Ga.) Commission Chair. By Madeline Boardman. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 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." 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. Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. His sister says that he imitated Michael Jackson's style and was known to 'moonwalk' around the house. He also took on lead roles in numerous high school and college plays. Lil' Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. Guarini was primarily raised by his mother and stepfather, physicist Jerry Guarini, in the Philadelphia suburb of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. 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. Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy. He was a director/performer at the Riverside Haunted Woods in Bridgeton Township, Pennsylvania, in 2001. About one year after his time on the singing show, Justin released his debut, self-titled album. Coming in second jumpstarted his singing career and made him go down in Idol history as one of the greats. 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. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). Original regional productions include Ghost Brothers of Darkland County as one of two feuding brothers in 2012 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. 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 . As you can see, it doesnt exactly take much to deserve a Dr. Pepper. 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 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! Hes also appeared on Broadway, making his debut in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in 2010. Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. 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. 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. Although he did not win out, the two finalists were clearly pals (or more?) Praised by critics,[23][24] Guarini played the outcast Mexican miner. Dr. Natasha Marc plays the role of a Fansville resident. 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. Subscribe for Latest Update! [10] Critics called Guarini's debut "surprisingly charming", "captivating" and "extremely likeable". In 2002, Justin's life changed forever when he turned down a role in The Lion King to audition for American Idol. 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. He appeared on other TV guide network shows, hosted movie premieres, and provided on-air coverage of award shows. 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. [15] His second child, Asher, was born on February 25, 2013. Mar 27, 2015 136 Dislike Share Save Wochit Entertainment 183K subscribers Justin Guarini is back. The group released an independent album in 1999 with proceeds benefiting a music scholarship fund at Guarini's alma mater, Central Bucks High School East in Buckingham, Pennsylvania. The Georgia-native singer ended up losing to pop songstress Kelly Clarkson, who now has several Grammy Awards to her name! View our online Press Pack. But, now I knew I was onto something, and I wasn't letting go. Marketing Stack Integrations and Multi-Touch Attribution. ". In addition to singing and stage performing, Guarini plays the piano, guitar, and banjo. His father, Eldrin Bell, is a former Georgia Chief of Police and is African American. [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. LIL' SWEET is a fictional miniature musician who finds his home in various Dr. Pepper advertisements. Seriously, if Justin Guarini had looked and sounded like this back in Season 1, I totally would have voted for him. His first concert was The Jacksons' "Victory Tour." You can connect with Justin Guarini on Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia. returned in a new ad. See Justin Guarini and Rose Hemingway Go Country in Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical", "Justin Guarini Joins the Muny Cast of Mamma Mia! [17] Guarini joined the Broadway production of Wicked, in the role of Fiyero from February 25 to December 14, 2014. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Guarini takes on an alter ego named Lil Sweet in the commercial. Im not saying that 100% of National Championship Lil Sweet commercials lead to a #Bulldogs win, but. 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. Source: living.alot.com. Taking a break from releasing music, Justin became a co-host for Idol tonight and Idol Wrap from 2007 to 2011. 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. He attended Central Bucks High School East. Usually, he advertises the diet version of the drink, but the new ad is for the regular soda. 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. Other professional performances Guarini has starred in include: Good Vibrations (2004) The Awakening of Angel DeLuna (2009) American Idiot (2011) It was really a difficult decision," Guarini told TheaterMania. Just found out the dr. ", "Drink Up! The following year, iTunes promoted an album for the commercial mascot with video clips, promotional pictures, and a Twitter page for the character. "As I progressed through Idol I realized that it might be something.". Who Plays the Little Guy on the Dr. Pepper Commercials. Is Lil' Sweet a tiny pop star. Guarini also performed in American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, and Wicked. 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. Despite not winning on "Idol," Guarini scored a record deal with RCA. Though perhaps not every moment post-Idol has been easy, Guarini is extremely proud of his former competitor Kelly Clarkson. 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. 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'. 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). Immediately prior to American Idol, Justin was offered a seat in the prestigious master class program in "The Lion King" on Broadway; he auditioned for American Idol instead and couldn't take the offer from Lion King when he became an AI finalist. 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 has released two studio albums a self-titled one in 2003, and Stranger Things Have Happened in 2005. The musician released a book in 2019 called Audition Secrets. 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. 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. 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. Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. In other news, Guarini recently appeared as Julio in a revival of Paint Your Wagon at New York City Center. The thermostat starts beeping as the temperature quickly rises on the digital face. From acting on stage to raising a family to starring in a television ad, Justin has done it all. They married a few months later in September 2009. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of Georgia. [2][3] After moving to Pennsylvania in 1985, he joined the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Boys Choir. 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. They have two kids together, named William and Asher. 320K views 5 years ago Dr Pepper Lil Sweet Commercials Compilation Justin Guarini. Top 5 Most Exciting Diet Dr Pepper Lil Sweet Feat Justin Guarini Commercials 2016 BEST TV ADS COMPILATIONS 297 subscribers Subscribe 271 views 5 years ago It's cable reimagined No DVR. 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. "I'm so happy and proud, and just over the moon about how well she has done." making an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. ", 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. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. These Dr. Pepper commercials might even be the only place youve seen him. Justin isn't the only actor starring as a. Justin performs in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade from time to time and has been a co-host throughout the years. 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. It is no secret that placing in the finals of American Idol can get you your 15 minutes of fame (see "Soul Patrol" patron Taylor Hicks), but not necessarily more than that. Wanting to continue his singing career, Justin independently released his second album, Stranger Things Have Happened Here. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) The Recap Group. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. In 2016, Guarini attended the Tony Awards, and co-hosted backstage coverage of the live broadcast in conjunction with BroadwayHD.com.[36][37]. ", "Theater Review: At Encores!, Paint Your Wagon", "First Look! Lil Sweet is BACK yall! Guarini wrote on Twitter after the new commercial premiered. Also, Who is Justin Guarini's wife? The first runner-up on the debut season of 'American Idol' plays undersized singer Lil' Sweet. . [11][12][13], Guarini played Will, one of the three male leads in Green Day's rock musical American Idiot performing March 1, 2011, through the show's closing night, April 24, 2011. )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. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Born on October 28 . But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. But while Justin was at the American Idol Experience, he confirmed his impending marriage to his fiance, Reina Capodici at that time. September 09, 2020. . In 2011, he and Reina welcomed their first child together, a son named William Neko Bell Guarini. It was a dream almost come true at the time. Justin Guarini is back. [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. Nick Ballard plays the role of a Dr. Pepper fan. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. The Idol alum continues to direct and produce musicals. The title track from his album Stranger Things Have Happened was also used in the documentary. But in 2009, he married his high school sweetheart Reina Capodici (per Bustle), and they are raising three kids outside Philadelphia, Pa. In 2013, he wrote a blog post about the struggles of his post-"Idol" life. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four. All Rights Reserved. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. 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. (Justin's godparents are Prince Faisal and his former wife, Princess Azia of Saudi Arabia. Fans of American Idol may recognize Lil' Sweet, the zazzy littlevery littlestar of Diet Dr. Pepper's new . Published. Don't miss a beat. He went on to sign with 19 Management, landing a record deal with RCA. Justin Guarini is in a new Diet Dr. Pepper commercial. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). 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. He was primarily raised by his mother and his step-father, Jerry Guarini. "Lil' Sweet is BACK, y'all!" says the rapper. In a new Dr. Pepper commercial, Justin Guarini reprises his role as Lil' Sweet. 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. The beloved character has appeared in commercials since 2015. The season one runner-up "sings in the key of sweet. in 2016. By Taylor Weatherby Updated March 31, 2015 at 11:30 PM EDT. 6. Since 2015, Guarini has been starring as Lil' Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper television commercials, and web marketing. 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. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Son, William Neko Bell Guarini was born April 26, 2011; Asher Orion Guarini was born February 25, 2013. [43] He has been cast to reprise the role when the musical transfers to Broadway's Marquis Theatre in May 2023.[44]. [20][21] In It's a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play Guarini voiced George Bailey in a 2015 on-stage comedic production. ", By co-star with her in the box-office bomb "From Justin to Kelly". Justin Guarini TV Commercials We don't make the ads - We measure them Sign up to track 19 nationally aired TV ad campaigns for Justin Guarini. He was also considering a contract offer from an independent record label, but the show's rules prohibited participants from having existing record contracts. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Its not even American Idols Constantine Maroulis in full-on Rock of Ages mode. Now, 20 years after his American Idol debut, Justin has created a life for himself that he is happy about. After its Broadway run, the live-filmed stage play was released in movie theaters. He is also set to star as Bobby in the play Company at the Bucks County Playhouse from May 29 through June 21. Brian Bosworth plays the role of a Fansville resident. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. ", "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? The late Nikki McKibbin, Justin, and Kelly at FOX-TVs American Idolin Los Angeles, Ca. WATCH: Kelly Clarkson admits she once dated Justin Guarini. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Dr. Pepper commercials often feature miniature musician Lil' Sweet, Justin Guarini almost won the first season of American Idol, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2012), It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (2012). Justin Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 28, 1978. You can view more details on Privacy and Policy. He's no lifeguard, but he presents her with an ice-cold Diet Dr Pepper that gives him the shivers and makes her swoon. He has been performing theater for the past 10 years, including a handful of Broadway shows. [41][42] In 2016 Guarini released his exclusive 17 track EP "JG" via PledgeMusic. Their relationship did not last due to her career taking off. 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. From Idol to ads! Reports estimate that he's getting paid about $250,000 a year to appear in the somewhat bizarre series of spots. I politely declined the offer of a role". We use this field to verify if the person is not a bot and wont leave spam comments on the website. Kendrick Lamar album 2022: When is Mr Morale & The Big Steppers release date? Justin Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 28, 1978.Dad Eldrin Bell is a former Atlanta police chief and Clayton County (Ga.) Commission Chair. 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. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. Chief Bell is first cousin to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson's wife, LaTonya. But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. Guarini, best known known as the runner-up on American Idol 's debut season in 2002 when Kelly Clarkson took the first title, has since . Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Profits are donated to a music scholarship fund at Central Bucks East High School.Justin directed amateur theater groups, including the Riverside Haunted Woods (where he first began growing the famous curls) pre-AI days and had the lead role in many musicals during high school and college (Pirates of Penzance, Phantom of the Opera, Edwin Drood, etc.).