Early life [ edit] Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. 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. The first Lil Sweet commercial debuted in February. The spot premiered during Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship. Shortly after being chosen for American Idol, he was offered a role in the Broadway production of The Lion King. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. 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. 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. In 2011, he and Reina welcomed their first child together, a son named William Neko Bell Guarini. 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. [18][19], Other stage work includes lead roles in regional productions of Rent, Chicago, Company and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It also happened to coincide with the season 2 finale and the release of the movie, From Justin to Kelly. Justin Guarini is in a new Diet Dr. Pepper commercial. But, now I knew I was onto something, and I wasn't letting go. Kathy also anchored news programs in Philadelphia and Atlanta (CNN), where she met Justin's father, Eldrin Bell, who rose through the ranks of the Atlanta police department to become its commissioner.Justin was accepted into the Atlanta Boys Choir at four years old. 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. I politely declined the offer of a role". 6. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. Also, Who is Justin Guarini's wife? After Idol, Justin signed with 19 Management and secured a record deal with RCA. 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, Justin Guarini is best known for his time on season one of American Idol, He is now known as Little Sweet in the Dr. Pepper commercials, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on American Idol. The musician released a book in 2019 called Audition Secrets. 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.). Guarini also performed in American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, and Wicked. 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 . Brian Bosworth plays the role of a Fansville resident. 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. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. While continuing his career with the Broadway community, Justin is now focused on his family and has turned to TV commercials. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. Your email address will not be published. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Editor in Chief, Yahoo Music March 30, 2015, 1:34 PM No, that's not the Darkness's Justin. 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. 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. "I'm not claiming that every Lil' Sweet advertisement during the National Championship leads to a Bulldogs victory, but . Though perhaps not every moment post-Idol has been easy, Guarini is extremely proud of his former competitor Kelly Clarkson. Soon after, Guarini signed with American Idol's 19 Management and secured a record deal with RCA. Who is Adriana Lima's boyfriend Andre Lemmers? The singer has been married to his wife Reina Capodici since 2009. He is also set to star as Bobby in the play Company at the Bucks County Playhouse from May 29 through June 21. You can connect with Justin Guarini on Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia. Meanwhile, lest we forget Guarini, the curly-haired singer impressed audiences and charmed his way to the finals alongside Clarkson. [7], Guarini co-produced his second album Stranger Things Have Happened, independently released in December 2005 through his own production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. 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. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. 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. Justin's mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. [22], In 2015, he starred in the New York City Center Encores presentation Paint Your Wagon. 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. 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. About one year after his time on the singing show, Justin released his debut, self-titled album. Lil Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. Although he did not win out, the two finalists were clearly pals (or more?) [10] Critics called Guarini's debut "surprisingly charming", "captivating" and "extremely likeable". Son, William Neko Bell Guarini was born April 26, 2011; Asher Orion Guarini was born February 25, 2013. JUSTIN Guarini is best known for being the runner-up on season one of American Idol, but what has he been up to since? 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. 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. Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. In 2004, he starred in the pre-Broadway presentation of Good Vibrations but turned down the chance to star in the Broadway production. One of his classmates was Scott Holroyd, formerly Paul Ryan on "As the World Turns." Justin Guarini, now 38, rose to fame in 2002 when he became the first runner-up on the hit singing competition show. in 2016. Justin Guarini is back on television 13 years after he made his debut on 2002's . The first runner-up on the debut season of 'American Idol' plays undersized singer Lil' Sweet. Of course, we all remember Guarini for competing against Kelly Clarkson on the first season of American Idol back in 2002. The thermostat starts beeping as the temperature quickly rises on the digital face. 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. co-star with her in the box-office bomb "From Justin to Kelly". No one knows where he keeps it, though, the soft drinks YouTube channel states. March 27, 2015. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Justin isn't the only actor starring as a. In 2016, Guarini attended the Tony Awards, and co-hosted backstage coverage of the live broadcast in conjunction with BroadwayHD.com.[36][37]. But in 2009, he married his high school sweetheart Reina Capodici (per Bustle), and they are raising three kids outside Philadelphia, Pa. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit, Let us know what you feel about this article. In addition to singing and stage performing, Guarini plays the piano, guitar, and banjo. 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. All Rights Reserved. Seriously, if Justin Guarini had looked and sounded like this back in Season 1, I totally would have voted for him. Published. From 2007 to 2011, TV Guide Network signed Guarini as permanent co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. He's no lifeguard, but he presents her with an ice-cold Diet Dr Pepper that gives him the shivers and makes her swoon. American Idol season one runner-up Justin Guarini stars in a new ad campaign for Diet Dr Pepper. Justin Guarini is married to wife Reina Capodici. There he worked in nightclubs and auditioned for theater roles. The first ever runner-up from the 2002 debut season of American Idol -- he lost to Kelly. The Midnight Voices CD can be purchased. Well, where has that very Justin been since? 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. Guarini has released two studio albums a self-titled one in 2003, and Stranger Things Have Happened in 2005. 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. 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. 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. No one knows where he keeps it though.. [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]. During that time, the singer also learned to play the guitar, piano, and banjo. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Natasha Marc plays the role of a Fansville resident. Now, 20 years after his American Idol debut, Justin has created a life for himself that he is happy about. Justin guarini, who finished second to kelly clarkson . The following year, iTunes promoted an album for the commercial mascot with video clips, promotional pictures, and a Twitter page for the character. [2][3] After moving to Pennsylvania in 1985, he joined the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Boys Choir. But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. He has been performing theater for the past 10 years, including a handful of Broadway shows. 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. 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. They have two kids together, named William and Asher. The spot premiered during Monday nights College Football Playoff National Championship. Taking a break from releasing music, Justin became a co-host for Idol tonight and Idol Wrap from 2007 to 2011. Reports estimate that he's getting paid about $250,000 a year to appear in the somewhat bizarre series of spots. His first concert was The Jacksons' "Victory Tour." [20][21] In It's a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play Guarini voiced George Bailey in a 2015 on-stage comedic production. Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist. He studied vocal performance and theatre in Philadelphia and New York before auditioning for American Idol in 2002. 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. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) The Recap Group. Guarini shared his thoughts on Twitter following the launch of the new commercial. . 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Its not even American Idols Constantine Maroulis in full-on Rock of Ages mode. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. 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). Lil Sweet is BACK yall! Guarini wrote on Twitter after the new commercial premiered. From acting on stage to raising a family to starring in a television ad, Justin has done it all. Usually, he advertises the diet version of the drink, but the new ad is for the regular soda. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. All Rights Reserved. The film was critically panned,[5] while the album sold 146,000 copies. View our online Press Pack. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Then president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, called in--from Airforce One--his best wishes to Kathy Guarini, whom he knew from her CNN association, upon hearing the news of Justin's birth. Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Justin as Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper Commercials, Justin with American Idol season two runner-up Clay Aiken, Justin performs onstage at the Winter Gala at Lincoln Center at Alice Tully Hall on February 13, 2018, in New York City. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Justin performs in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade from time to time and has been a co-host throughout the years. In December 2003 Guarini was dropped from RCA Records. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of . Take a Gander at Broadway-Aimed Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical | Broadway Buzz", "Photo Flash: Meet the 'MOONSHINE' Cast & Creative Team, Beginning Previews Tonight in Dallas! Diet Dr Pepper Commercial 2017 Lil' Sweet Justin Guarini Pool Toy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. After graduating, he moved to New York City and enrolled in the School for Film and Television. 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. Other professional performances Guarini has starred in include: Good Vibrations (2004) The Awakening of Angel DeLuna (2009) American Idiot (2011) The Fansville Dr. Pepper commercial has three actors. 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. ", By and they went on to co-star in the critically panned (but undeniably fun) musical vacation flickFrom Justin to Kelly. Guarini's musical experience started at age four when he was accepted by the Atlanta Boy Choir. Guarini participates in Equity staged readings of The Awakening of Angel DeLuna,[30] hosts and/or performs for various Broadway and stage-related benefits,[31][32] and other industry-related events including Broadway on the Hudson,[32][33] the Times Square Tony Awards Simulcast in 2014 and 2015,[34] adding executive producer duties in 2015. WATCH: Kelly Clarkson admits she once dated Justin Guarini. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. [41][42] In 2016 Guarini released his exclusive 17 track EP "JG" via PledgeMusic. Guarini wrote, co-arranged and recorded a benefit song released with H.H. They married a few months later in September 2009. 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). 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. The pint-sized heavy metal . 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! 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The judges were very impressed with his audition and couldn't believe he was still undiscovered. Is Lil' Sweet a tiny pop star. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. [14], On April 26, 2011, his first child with wife Reina Capodici, William Neko Bell Guarini, was born. "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. [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. The late Nikki McKibbin, Justin, and Kelly at FOX-TVs American Idolin Los Angeles, Ca. 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! It was a dream almost come true at the time. 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 turned his focus from albums to performing live and took to stage and film acting. Born on October 28, 1978, Guarini is a native of Georgia. September 09, 2020. Guarini takes on an alter ego named Lil Sweet in the commercial. Dad Eldrin Bell is a former Atlanta police chief and Clayton County (Ga.) Commission Chair. 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. By Madeline Boardman. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). Justin's solo at the festival, "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," won him a standing ovation.Justin attended University of the Arts, Philadelphia, and School for Film & Television, New York City (1999-2000). Join the Fun!! Justin joined boys choirs throughout his time in school and even became the lead vocalist in an acapella group called The Midnight Voices. Born on October 28, 1978, in Columbus, Georgia, Justin was raised in the Philadelphia, PA, suburb of Doylestown. Who Plays the Little Guy on the Dr. Pepper Commercials. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. He went on to sign with 19 Management, landing a record deal with RCA. It was reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Eldrin has 13 children - nine of whom are adopted. Of course we all remember From Justin to Kelly, the 2003 movie starring Guarini and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. 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. Im not saying that 100% of National Championship Lil Sweet commercials lead to a #Bulldogs win, but. For other inquiries, Contact Us. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Michele Amabile Angermiller. Via PledgeMusic, Justin released his 17-track EP, JG, in 2016. Dr. [35] He was an executive producer for the 2015 revival of the musical Side Show. He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four. 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. "Lil' Sweet is BACK, y'all!" says the rapper. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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." It was really a difficult decision," Guarini told TheaterMania. [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. The couple tied the knot in 2009 after dating for three years. Despite not winning on "Idol," Guarini scored a record deal with RCA.