But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist. Justin's mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. American Idol season one runner-up Justin Guarini stars in a new ad campaign for Diet Dr Pepper. The thermostat starts beeping as the temperature quickly rises on the digital face. His mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, is Italian American, and was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. By Madeline Boardman. 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). Beck Bennett (AT&T) - $250,000 Luckily, in Guarini's case, Idol was just the beginning! The Fansville Dr. Pepper commercial has three actors. 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. Shortly after he was accepted on the show, Guarini was offered a role on Broadway - he chose to stick with Idol. Although Justin has moved on, he did confirm in 2014, during his one-man show, Lovesick, that he and Kelly dated for a short time, which started on the set of From Justin to Kelly. In 2013, he wrote a blog post about the struggles of his post-"Idol" life. Don't miss a beat. Published February 19, 2019 Advertiser Diet Dr Pepper Advertiser Profiles Facebook, Twitter, YouTube . 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 is a fictional miniature musician who finds his home in various Dr. Pepper advertisements. After its Broadway run, the live-filmed stage play was released in movie theaters. . 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! 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). Justin Guarini is an American singer and actor who is best known for his role . 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. Original regional productions include Ghost Brothers of Darkland County as one of two feuding brothers in 2012 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Their relationship did not last due to her career taking off. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. After Idol, Justin signed with 19 Management and secured a record deal with RCA. ", "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? 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. The couple tied the knot in 2009 after dating for three years. 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." This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. [citation needed], In 2021, Guarini starred as Prince Charming in the world premiere of the jukebox musical Once Upon a One More Time. Taking a break from releasing music, Justin became a co-host for Idol tonight and Idol Wrap from 2007 to 2011. Scroll down to find out what Justin Guarini is up to today. Justin guarini, who finished second to kelly clarkson . It was reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Eldrin has 13 children - nine of whom are adopted. 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. [15] His second child, Asher, was born on February 25, 2013. 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. . 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 Guarini is best known for being the runner-up on season one of American Idol, but what has he been up to since? Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. 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. [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. 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. There he worked in nightclubs and auditioned for theater roles. Well, where has that very Justin been since? After graduating, he moved to New York City and enrolled in the School for Film and Television. They have two kids together, named William and Asher. 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. Guarini takes on an alter ego named Lil Sweet in the commercial. Aside from Lil' Sweet, Justin has continued to act, with his last two roles in 2018 and 2019. Its not even American Idols Constantine Maroulis in full-on Rock of Ages mode. Since 2015, the now 43-year-old has played Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials and web marketing. [7], Guarini co-produced his second album Stranger Things Have Happened, independently released in December 2005 through his own production company, Justice Entertainment, Ltd.. Since 2015, Guarini has been starring as Lil' Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper television commercials, and web marketing. But, now I knew I was onto something, and I wasn't letting go. Gayuna Cealo, and a song for the documentary series Project Everlasting, in August 2006 and featured on the Today Show. Lil Sweet, the Dr. Pepper mascot he started playing in 2015, is back in a new commercial. 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. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Despite not winning on "Idol," Guarini scored a record deal with RCA. 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. All Rights Reserved. Other professional performances Guarini has starred in include: Good Vibrations (2004) The Awakening of Angel DeLuna (2009) American Idiot (2011) Subscribe for Latest Update! One of his classmates was Scott Holroyd, formerly Paul Ryan on "As the World Turns." Michele Amabile Angermiller. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Justin Guarini became the first runner-up on American Idol, ultimately losing to Kelly Clarkson during season one of the singing competition. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. [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. See Justin Guarini and Rose Hemingway Go Country in Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical", "Justin Guarini Joins the Muny Cast of Mamma Mia! Seriously, if Justin Guarini had looked and sounded like this back in Season 1, I totally would have voted for him. 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. Chief Bell is first cousin to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson's wife, LaTonya. These Dr. Pepper commercials might even be the only place youve seen him. But Broadway seems like it is not a detour for Guarini, but a destination. View our online Press Pack. 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. Justin Guarini is back on the small screen, but he looks very different from his "American Idol" days. 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 . He attended the 2016 Tony Awards, where he co-hosted backstage coverage of the live show. Join the Fun!! Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. Kendrick Lamar album 2022: When is Mr Morale & The Big Steppers release date? Usually, he advertises the diet version of the drink, but the new ad is for the regular soda. 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'. Brian Bosworth plays the role of a Fansville resident. No one knows where he keeps it though.. 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). Dr. He's no lifeguard, but he presents her with an ice-cold Diet Dr Pepper that gives him the shivers and makes her swoon. Who Plays the Little Guy on the Dr. Pepper Commercials. The beloved character has appeared in commercials since 2015. The Georgia-native singer ended up losing to pop songstress Kelly Clarkson, who now has several Grammy Awards to her name! 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. They married a few months later in September 2009. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) The Recap Group. Son, William Neko Bell Guarini was born April 26, 2011; Asher Orion Guarini was born February 25, 2013. All Rights Reserved. Justin Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 28, 1978. Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has returned to our television screens as a beloved character. 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. Real-Time Video Ad Creative Assessment. During that time, the singer also learned to play the guitar, piano, and banjo. He appeared on other TV guide network shows, hosted movie premieres, and provided on-air coverage of award shows. Meanwhile, lest we forget Guarini, the curly-haired singer impressed audiences and charmed his way to the finals alongside Clarkson. 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. In other news, Guarini recently appeared as Julio in a revival of Paint Your Wagon at New York City Center. From acting on stage to raising a family to starring in a television ad, Justin has done it all. You can connect with Justin Guarini on Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia. Though perhaps not every moment post-Idol has been easy, Guarini is extremely proud of his former competitor Kelly Clarkson. "The Midnight Voices" was founded "to serenade their 'female friends' the night before high school graduation," but the group went on to burn a CD and take second at the 2000 Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival Mid-Atlantic Regional. Lil' Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials. Shortly after being chosen for American Idol, he was offered a role in the Broadway production of The Lion King. 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. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit, Let us know what you feel about this article. After taking a sip, the father invites Lil' Sweet into the house to . But in 2009, he married his high school sweetheart Reina Capodici (per Bustle), and they are raising three kids outside Philadelphia, Pa. Dad Eldrin Bell is a former Atlanta police chief and Clayton County (Ga.) Commission Chair. 320K views 5 years ago Dr Pepper Lil Sweet Commercials Compilation Justin Guarini. She went from just another face in the crowd to a true pop star in another words, anAmerican Idol! He studied vocal performance and theatre in Philadelphia and New York before auditioning for American Idol in 2002. All rights reserved. (Justin's godparents are Prince Faisal and his former wife, Princess Azia of Saudi Arabia. Releasing music for Lil' Sweet inspired him to make music again. Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. He began singing with the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of four. His sister says that he imitated Michael Jackson's style and was known to 'moonwalk' around the house. Guarini also performed in American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, and Wicked. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Justin recently appeared on the American Idol 20th anniversary episode on May 2, 2022. 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. 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! Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. Lil' Sweet is seemingly the mascot for Diet Dr. Pepper but sometimes shows in ads for the regular version of the soda. [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. 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). . 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! He worked in New York nightclubs, and auditioned for New York Theatre before successfully auditioning for American Idol in April 2002. "Lil' Sweet is BACK, y'all!" says the rapper. In an exclusive pictorial of the wedding, People reported that the couple married on September 26, 2009. 6. You can watch all Dr Pepper Lil Sweet commercials featuring Justin Guarini in one video. Guarini's musical experience started at age four when he was accepted by the Atlanta Boy Choir. His Idol cohort Kelly Clarkson is slated to appear on the Fox show as a mentor on April 1. Guarini made a name for himself in Season 1 of "American Idol." 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. [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. He then asks if it is hot in the room or if it was just him. While continuing his career with the Broadway community, Justin is now focused on his family and has turned to TV commercials. 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. 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." 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.