The first Lil Sweet ad debuted in February. From 2007 to 2011, TV Guide Network signed Guarini as permanent co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Teen Mom Cheyenne Floyd STUNS in tight white dress for over-the-top engagement photoshoot with fianc Zach Davis. Mar 27, 2015 136 Dislike Share Save Wochit Entertainment 183K subscribers Justin Guarini is back. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. JUSTIN Guarini is best known for being the runner-up on season one of American Idol, but what has he been up to since? 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. 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. ", "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? 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! "I'm so happy and proud, and just over the moon about how well she has done." [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. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. Taking a break from releasing music, Justin became a co-host for Idol tonight and Idol Wrap from 2007 to 2011. Original regional productions include Ghost Brothers of Darkland County as one of two feuding brothers in 2012 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) The Recap Group. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. He went on to sign with 19 Management, landing a record deal with RCA. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. He attended the 2016 Tony Awards, where he co-hosted backstage coverage of the live show. Talent Recap is the only independent website that is exclusively dedicated to the fans of the most popular talent shows around the world. film did not receive great ratings from critics. 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 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. His father, Eldrin Bell, is a former Georgia Chief of Police and is African American. For other inquiries, Contact Us. American Idol season one runner-up Justin Guarini stars in a new ad campaign for Diet Dr Pepper. [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]. 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. Via PledgeMusic, Justin released his 17-track EP, JG, in 2016. Luckily, in Guarini's case, Idol was just the beginning! See Justin Guarini and Rose Hemingway Go Country in Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical", "Justin Guarini Joins the Muny Cast of Mamma Mia! All Rights Reserved. Guarini wrote, co-arranged and recorded a benefit song released with H.H. Justin Guarini is back. Their relationship did not last due to her career taking off. Justin Guarini is back on television 13 years after he made his debut on 2002's . The Midnight Voices CD can be purchased. The thermostat starts beeping as the temperature quickly rises on the digital face. 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. Aside from Lil' Sweet, Justin has continued to act, with his last two roles in 2018 and 2019. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. The spot premiered during Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship. 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. Now, 20 years after his American Idol debut, Justin has created a life for himself that he is happy about. In other news, Guarini recently appeared as Julio in a revival of Paint Your Wagon at New York City Center. In 2013, he wrote a blog post about the struggles of his post-"Idol" life. Soon after, Guarini signed with American Idol's 19 Management and secured a record deal with RCA. Justin Guarini is back. Lil Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. Marketing Stack Integrations and Multi-Touch Attribution. The pint-sized heavy metal . The beloved character has appeared in commercials since 2015. 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. After graduating, he moved to New York City and enrolled in the School for Film and Television. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. [7], Guarini co-produced his second album Stranger Things Have Happened, independently released in December 2005 through his own production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. (Justin's godparents are Prince Faisal and his former wife, Princess Azia of Saudi Arabia. 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. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. In an exclusive pictorial of the wedding, People reported that the couple married on September 26, 2009. By Taylor Weatherby Updated March 31, 2015 at 11:30 PM EDT. 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. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. Justin's mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. 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? He's no lifeguard, but he presents her with an ice-cold Diet Dr Pepper that gives him the shivers and makes her swoon. WATCH: Kelly Clarkson admits she once dated Justin Guarini. Meanwhile, lest we forget Guarini, the curly-haired singer impressed audiences and charmed his way to the finals alongside Clarkson. 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. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. 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 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. All Rights Reserved. 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.". 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. Advertisement. In the past 30 days, commercials featuring Justin Guarini have had 72,728 airings. Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist. [2][3] After moving to Pennsylvania in 1985, he joined the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Boys Choir. His performance (which included singing, dancing, acting, and playing guitar) landed Guarini an offer to continue the role in the original Broadway production, which he eventually declined. Yes, That's Justin Guarini In That Diet Dr Pepper Commercial. Pepper mascot he first appeared as in a commercial in 2015, has returned in a new ad. 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. His first concert was The Jacksons' "Victory Tour." Justin performs in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade from time to time and has been a co-host throughout the years. The pint-sized heavy metal-soul man shows up at a suburban home unexpectedly where a childs birthday party is in progress to deliver zero calorie sweet treats., Kelly Clarkson Dishes on Justin Guarini, Miley Cyrus on Watch What Happens Live, He sings in the key of sweet and always carries a spare sixpackof Diet Dr Pepper with him, reads a description on the soft drinks YouTube channel. 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. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of Georgia. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit, Let us know what you feel about this article. Guarini's musical experience started at age four when he was accepted by the Atlanta Boy Choir. Dad Eldrin Bell is a former Atlanta police chief and Clayton County (Ga.) Commission Chair. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. Justin guarini, who competed on american idol in 2002, plays the character and mascot of keurig dr pepper's lil' sweet. Hes also appeared on Broadway, making his debut in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in 2010. 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. [citation needed], In 2021, Guarini starred as Prince Charming in the world premiere of the jukebox musical Once Upon a One More Time. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. 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 Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy. In 2002, Justin's life changed forever when he turned down a role in The Lion King to audition for American Idol. Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. 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. It also happened to coincide with the season 2 finale and the release of the movie, From Justin to Kelly. Sadly, the film did not receive great ratings from critics. Nick Ballard plays the role of a Dr. Pepper fan. Scroll down to find out what Justin Guarini is up to today. It was a dream almost come true at the time. 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. Since 2015, Guarini has been starring as Lil' Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper television commercials, and web marketing. 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. Dr. Pepper commercials often feature miniature musician Lil' Sweet Who is the little guy in the Dr. Pepper commercial? Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. In 2011, he and Reina welcomed their first child together, a son named William Neko Bell 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! During that time, the singer also learned to play the guitar, piano, and banjo. Paula Abdul Admits to Kicking Simon Cowell Under American Idol Desk, Singer Turns Four Chairs in The Voice Early Release Audition, Daniella Karagach Shares Friends Reactions to Finding Out About Her Pregnancy. [43] He has been cast to reprise the role when the musical transfers to Broadway's Marquis Theatre in May 2023.[44]. Who Plays the Little Guy on the Dr. Pepper Commercials. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. But Guarini has flown pretty under the radar since then. [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. Dr. Justin turned his focus from albums to performing live and took to stage and film acting. Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. They have two kids together, named William and Asher. Guarini has released two studio albums a self-titled one in 2003, and Stranger Things Have Happened in 2005. If you ask us, he deserves more just for that falsetto! 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. The judges were very impressed with his audition and couldn't believe he was still undiscovered. Justin Guarini as Lil' Sweet croons to the man that his hard work deserves a sweet Diet Dr Pepper. Guarini takes on an alter ego named Lil Sweet in the commercial. After its Broadway run, the live-filmed stage play was released in movie theaters. While he may be no pop leading man, he has still become impressively successful. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. 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. Published. All rights reserved. Chief Bell is first cousin to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson's wife, LaTonya. In 2006 he received the NAMM 'Music For Life' Award for his support of music education. The door flings open and a spotlight shines on Lil' Sweet, played by American Idol alumnus Justin Guarini, who sings his arrival as the daughter runs off scared. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). and they went on to co-star in the critically panned (but undeniably fun) musical vacation flickFrom Justin to Kelly. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. One of his classmates was Scott Holroyd, formerly Paul Ryan on "As the World Turns." View our online Press Pack. Its not even American Idols Constantine Maroulis in full-on Rock of Ages mode. He then asks if it is hot in the room or if it was just him. Im not saying that 100% of National Championship Lil Sweet commercials lead to a #Bulldogs win, but. 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 Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. Natasha Marc plays the role of a Fansville resident. Justin Guarini, now 38, rose to fame in 2002 when he became the first runner-up on the hit singing competition show. 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. Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. ", "Theater Review: At Encores!, Paint Your Wagon", "First Look! 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. 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. Is Lil' Sweet a tiny pop star. It was reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Eldrin has 13 children - nine of whom are adopted. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. 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. The first runner-up on the debut season of 'American Idol' plays undersized singer Lil' Sweet. [17] Guarini joined the Broadway production of Wicked, in the role of Fiyero from February 25 to December 14, 2014. Beck Bennett (AT&T) - $250,000 Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. Fans of American Idol may recognize Lil' Sweet, the zazzy littlevery littlestar of Diet Dr. Pepper's new . 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. His sister says that he imitated Michael Jackson's style and was known to 'moonwalk' around the house. [18][19], Other stage work includes lead roles in regional productions of Rent, Chicago, Company and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of Georgia. Justin Guarini Returns as Lil' Sweet in New Dr. Pepper Ad Lil Sweet is BACK yall! Guarini wrote on Twitter after the new commercial premiered. Then in 2013, his wife gave birth to their second son, whom they named Asher. The film was critically panned,[5] while the album sold 146,000 copies. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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'. "As I progressed through Idol I realized that it might be something.". "I'm not claiming that every Lil' Sweet advertisement during the National Championship leads to a Bulldogs victory, but . Kendrick Lamar album 2022: When is Mr Morale & The Big Steppers release date? 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. The Idol alum continues to direct and produce musicals. But in 2009, he married his high school sweetheart Reina Capodici (per Bustle), and they are raising three kids outside Philadelphia, Pa. 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. 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. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can watch all Dr Pepper Lil Sweet commercials featuring Justin Guarini in one video. Since 2015, the now 43-year-old has played Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials and web marketing. 320K views 5 years ago Dr Pepper Lil Sweet Commercials Compilation Justin Guarini. LIL' SWEET is a fictional miniature musician who finds his home in various Dr. Pepper advertisements. Just found out the dr. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. in 2016. [14], On April 26, 2011, his first child with wife Reina Capodici, William Neko Bell Guarini, was born. These Dr. Pepper commercials might even be the only place youve seen him. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four. He appeared on other TV guide network shows, hosted movie premieres, and provided on-air coverage of award shows. He is also set to star as Bobby in the play Company at the Bucks County Playhouse from May 29 through June 21. Michele Amabile Angermiller. Justin Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 28, 1978. 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. In case you didnt know, Lil Sweet is a miniature version of Guarini who pops up to sing to people and give them a Dr. Pepper. 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!