Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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.). Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. Justin Guarini is in a new Diet Dr. Pepper commercial. I politely declined the offer of a role". Guarini wrote, co-arranged and recorded a benefit song released with H.H. [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. Justin was nationally voted runner-up on the debut season (2002) of "American Idol - The Search for a Superstar", in which there had been over 10,000 to audition. But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Don't miss a beat. Lil Sweet comes to the rescue in the latest 30-second ad spot by bringing the zero-calorie beverage to a cupcake-filled birthday party. Also, Who is Justin Guarini's wife? The Choir generally does not accept children under six years of age.With a mother in the television industry, and a father always in the public spotlight, Justin's drive to entertain came naturally. The musician released a book in 2019 called Audition Secrets. 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. 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. 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. Usually, he advertises the diet version of the drink, but the new ad is for the regular soda. ", "Drink Up! He has been performing theater for the past 10 years, including a handful of Broadway shows. Well, where has that very Justin been since? 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. Justin Guarini, now 38, rose to fame in 2002 when he became the first runner-up on the hit singing competition show. and they went on to co-star in the critically panned (but undeniably fun) musical vacation flickFrom Justin to Kelly. WATCH: Kelly Clarkson admits she once dated Justin Guarini. 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. The beloved character has appeared in commercials since 2015. Guarini performed on stage throughout high school and college and learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. 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. 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. "I'm not claiming that every Lil' Sweet advertisement during the National Championship leads to a Bulldogs victory, but . His sister says that he imitated Michael Jackson's style and was known to 'moonwalk' around the house. Jerry reportedly has eight children, including Justin.At Lenape Middle School, Justin impressed Bucks County Music Festival director Donald Dumpson - a professor at Westminster Choir College and composer who has worked with notables like Patti LaBelle and Boyz II Men - so thoroughly that he canceled the rest of the auditions. . Justin guarini, who competed on american idol in 2002, plays the character and mascot of keurig dr pepper's lil' sweet. 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. Other professional performances Guarini has starred in include: Good Vibrations (2004) The Awakening of Angel DeLuna (2009) American Idiot (2011) 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. Justin turned his focus from albums to performing live and took to stage and film acting. 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 Guarini Stars in Bizarre New Dr. Pepper Ad THR Staff March 27, 2015, 4:24 PM Justin Guarini is back. He is also set to star as Bobby in the play Company at the Bucks County Playhouse from May 29 through June 21. The first ever runner-up from the 2002 debut season of American Idol -- he lost to Kelly. Guarini finally made his Broadway debut in 2010, appearing in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Guarini shared his thoughts on Twitter following the launch of the new commercial. 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'. Guarini made a name for himself in Season 1 of "American Idol." By Taylor Weatherby Updated March 31, 2015 at 11:30 PM EDT. He studied vocal performance and theatre in Philadelphia and New York before auditioning for American Idol in 2002. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. View our online Press Pack. Published. Gayuna Cealo, and a song for the documentary series Project Everlasting, in August 2006 and featured on the Today Show. From 2007 to 2011, TV Guide Network signed Guarini as permanent co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist. 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). 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. [35] He was an executive producer for the 2015 revival of the musical Side Show. 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. Since 2015, Guarini has been starring as Lil' Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper television commercials, and web marketing. The musician has two studio albums: Justin Guarini (2003) and Stranger Things Have Happened (2005). According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. 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. Justin Guarini is an American singer and actor who is best known for his role . From Idol to ads! Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 6. 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. 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 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. 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. Advertisement. If you ask us, he deserves more just for that falsetto! The Midnight Voices CD can be purchased. In a new Dr. Pepper commercial, Justin Guarini reprises his role as Lil' Sweet. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. film did not receive great ratings from critics. SEE ALSO: KELLY CLARKSON HOSTS AMERICAN IDOL REUNION WITH JUSTIN GUARINI & ALL THREE SEASON 1 JUDGES! 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. [16], In 2013, Guarini was cast in a modern Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as Paris. Early life [ edit] Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. Shortly after he was accepted on the show, Guarini was offered a role on Broadway - he chose to stick with Idol. Coming in second jumpstarted his singing career and made him go down in Idol history as one of the greats. You can view more details on Privacy and Policy. 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. See Justin Guarini and Rose Hemingway Go Country in Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical", "Justin Guarini Joins the Muny Cast of Mamma Mia! Guarini takes on an alter ego named Lil Sweet in the commercial. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Guarini has an estimated net worth of around $700,000. Chief Bell is first cousin to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson's wife, LaTonya. JUSTIN Guarini is best known for being the runner-up on season one of American Idol, but what has he been up to since? Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. Its not even American Idols Constantine Maroulis in full-on Rock of Ages mode. Just found out the dr. He went on to sign with 19 Management, landing a record deal with RCA. September 09, 2020. (Justin's godparents are Prince Faisal and his former wife, Princess Azia of Saudi Arabia. [10] Critics called Guarini's debut "surprisingly charming", "captivating" and "extremely likeable". In other news, Guarini recently appeared as Julio in a revival of Paint Your Wagon at New York City Center. The film was critically panned,[5] while the album sold 146,000 copies. Multitalented entertainer Justin Guarini portrays him. The first runner-up on the debut season of 'American Idol' plays undersized singer Lil' Sweet. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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). 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. [43] He has been cast to reprise the role when the musical transfers to Broadway's Marquis Theatre in May 2023.[44]. 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. 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. As you can see, it doesnt exactly take much to deserve a Dr. Pepper. 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. The thermostat starts beeping as the temperature quickly rises on the digital face. His Idol cohort Kelly Clarkson is slated to appear on the Fox show as a mentor on April 1. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. that at one point he and Kelly Clarkson's relationship did get romantic. While continuing his career with the Broadway community, Justin is now focused on his family and has turned to TV commercials. 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. KELLY CLARKSON HOSTS AMERICAN IDOL REUNION WITH JUSTIN GUARINI & ALL THREE SEASON 1 JUDGES! There he worked in nightclubs and auditioned for theater roles. Justin Guarini Returns as Lil' Sweet in New Dr. Pepper Ad Oh, not to mention his role as that groovy Prince-esque "Lil Sweet" guy in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Justin Guarini is back. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. [citation needed], In 2021, Guarini starred as Prince Charming in the world premiere of the jukebox musical Once Upon a One More Time. Editor in Chief, Yahoo Music March 30, 2015, 1:34 PM No, that's not the Darkness's Justin. 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. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Lil' Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. Is Lil' Sweet a tiny pop star. in 2016. He appeared on other TV guide network shows, hosted movie premieres, and provided on-air coverage of award shows. He also played Prince Charming in the 2021 regional show, Once Upon a One More Time, the Britney Spears Jukebox Musical. Justin attended the University of the Arts, where he took up vocal performance and theater studies. 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). In December 2003 Guarini was dropped from RCA Records. 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. [9], Guarini became a part of the Broadway community with his 2010 Broadway debut as Carlos in a musical adaptation of Pedro Almodovar's film Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Justin performs in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade from time to time and has been a co-host throughout the years.