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. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit, Let us know what you feel about this article. From 'Idol' to Dr. Pepper? Justin Guarini Stars in Hilarious, Bizarre After its Broadway run, the live-filmed stage play was released in movie theaters. He was a director/performer at the Riverside Haunted Woods in Bridgeton Township, Pennsylvania, in 2001. 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. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. "I'm so happy and proud, and just over the moon about how well she has done." LIL' SWEET is a fictional miniature musician who finds his home in various Dr. Pepper advertisements. The pint-sized heavy metal . Editor in Chief, Yahoo Music March 30, 2015, 1:34 PM No, that's not the Darkness's Justin. (Justin's godparents are Prince Faisal and his former wife, Princess Azia of Saudi Arabia. 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. Top 5 Most Exciting Diet Dr Pepper Lil Sweet Feat Justin Guarini The runner-up from the 2002 debut season of American Idol he lost to Kelly. [16], In 2013, Guarini was cast in a modern Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as Paris. From 2007 to 2011, TV Guide Network signed Guarini as permanent co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. Meanwhile, lest we forget Guarini, the curly-haired singer impressed audiences and charmed his way to the finals alongside Clarkson. Justin Guarini as Lil' Sweet croons to the man that his hard work deserves a sweet Diet Dr Pepper. 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. [7], Guarini co-produced his second album Stranger Things Have Happened, independently released in December 2005 through his own production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of Georgia. Though perhaps not every moment post-Idol has been easy, Guarini is extremely proud of his former competitor Kelly Clarkson. Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Justin Guarini Stars in Bizarre New Dr. Pepper Ad - Yahoo In an exclusive pictorial of the wedding, People reported that the couple married on September 26, 2009. I politely declined the offer of a role". Justin attended the University of the Arts, where he took up vocal performance and theater studies. Pepper mascot he first appeared as in a commercial in 2015, has returned in a new ad. He recently appeared in the Britney Spears jukebox musical Once Upon a One More Time as Prince Charming at the Shakespeare Theatre Companyin Washington, D.C. A singing competition where participants compete to impress the American public and judges - Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to win a recording contract. Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy From acting on stage to raising a family to starring in a television ad, Justin has done it all. 'American Idol' alum Justin Guarini on how he became Diet Dr. Pepper's Guarini made a name for himself in Season 1 of "American Idol." Advertisement. 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. Justin performs in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade from time to time and has been a co-host throughout the years. Kendrick Lamar album 2022: When is Mr Morale & The Big Steppers release date? But Guarini has flown pretty under the radar since then. 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. 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 spot premiered during Monday nights College Football Playoff National Championship. 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. Talent Recap is the only independent website that is exclusively dedicated to the fans of the most popular talent shows around the world. 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 Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 28, 1978. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. Where American Idol season 1 finalist Justin Guarini is now 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. 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. Brian Bosworth plays the role of a Fansville resident. Justin Guarini Rocks Out as Metal Man 'Lil' Sweet' in Hilarious Dr but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. The singer has been married to his wife Reina Capodici since 2009. Although he did not win out, the two finalists were clearly pals (or more?) "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Scroll down to find out what Justin Guarini is up to today. While he may be no pop leading man, he has still become impressively successful. He studied vocal performance and theatre in Philadelphia and New York before auditioning for American Idol in 2002. In 2011, he and Reina welcomed their first child together, a son named William Neko Bell Guarini. Dr. Pepper Commercial: Lil' Sweet Causes Social Media Uproar But Is It 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.). While continuing his career with the Broadway community, Justin is now focused on his family and has turned to TV commercials. View our online Press Pack. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. American Idol season one runner-up Justin Guarini stars in a new ad campaign for Diet Dr Pepper. )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. 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. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. 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. 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. The beloved character has appeared in commercials since 2015. 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 turned his focus from albums to performing live and took to stage and film acting. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. Your email address will not be published. In other news, Guarini recently appeared as Julio in a revival of Paint Your Wagon at New York City Center. It was a dream almost come true at the time. making an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019. 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. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. Justin Guarini Stars in Bizarre New Dr. Pepper Ad THR Staff March 27, 2015, 4:24 PM Justin Guarini is back. Reports estimate that he's getting paid about $250,000 a year to appear in the somewhat bizarre series of spots. Sadly, the film did not receive great ratings from critics. March 27, 2015. JUSTIN Guarini is best known for being the runner-up on season one of American Idol, but what has he been up to since? His sister says that he imitated Michael Jackson's style and was known to 'moonwalk' around the house. Justin isn't the only actor starring as a. 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This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. ", By Dr. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. Justin Guarini, now 38, rose to fame in 2002 when he became the first runner-up on the hit singing competition show. 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. He went on to sign with 19 Management, landing a record deal with RCA. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. Diet Dr Pepper TV Spot, 'Lil' Sweet: Playhouse' Featuring Justin Guarini Justin Guarini, who finished second to Kelly Clarkson in season one of the reality singing competition, has been playing that part since 2015. Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. 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. and they went on to co-star in the critically panned (but undeniably fun) musical vacation flickFrom Justin to Kelly. As you can see, it doesnt exactly take much to deserve a Dr. Pepper. He then asks if it is hot in the room or if it was just him. From Idol to ads! [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. But while Justin was at the American Idol Experience, he confirmed his impending marriage to his fiance, Reina Capodici at that time. Other professional performances Guarini has starred in include: Guarini has also guest-starred on shows like Wizards of Waverly Place, a Disney original featuring Selena Gomez. Gayuna Cealo, and a song for the documentary series Project Everlasting, in August 2006 and featured on the Today Show. [17] Guarini joined the Broadway production of Wicked, in the role of Fiyero from February 25 to December 14, 2014. Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. He worked in New York nightclubs, and auditioned for New York Theatre before successfully auditioning for American Idol in April 2002. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). 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. RememberAmerican Idol Season 1, when an unknown, Texas-born singer named Kelly Clarkson rose to superstardom and had her "Moment Like This?" Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. 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 an American singer and actor who is best known for his role . Who Is The Singer In The Diet Dr Pepper Commercial? By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. He made his Broadway debut in 2010 in Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown. Beck Bennett (AT&T) - $250,000 The first Lil Sweet commercial debuted in February. [10] Critics called Guarini's debut "surprisingly charming", "captivating" and "extremely likeable". Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy. Hes also appeared on Broadway, making his debut in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in 2010. Examples include a man who hangs his TV with just a little lean, a mother who got her kids to school 20 minutes late, and a man who passed an online test to prove hes not a bot. Real-Time Video Ad Creative Assessment. He also took on lead roles in numerous high school and college plays. . 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. Diet Dr Pepper TV Spot, 'Turnin' Up the Sweet' Featuring Justin Guarini Source: living.alot.com. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. He has been performing theater for the past 10 years, including a handful of Broadway shows. His father, Eldrin Bell, is a former Georgia Chief of Police and is African American. film did not receive great ratings from critics. [41][42] In 2016 Guarini released his exclusive 17 track EP "JG" via PledgeMusic. 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 (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 . To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Watch 'American Idol' Alum Justin Guarini Take on an - Billboard In December 2003 Guarini was dropped from RCA Records. 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. Don't miss a beat. Lil Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. 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. Luckily, in Guarini's case, Idol was just the beginning!