Justin Guarini facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Justin Guarini
Guarini in 2009
Background information
Birth name	Justin Eldrin Bell
Born	(1978-10-28) October 28, 1978 (age 46) Columbus, Georgia, U.S.
Origin	Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter actor television host
Years active	2002–present
Labels	RCA Justice Entertainment

Justin Guarini, born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He became famous in 2002 when he was the runner-up on the very first season of the TV show American Idol.

Early Life and Music

Justin Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia. He grew up mostly with his mother and stepfather in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. His musical journey began very early, at just four years old, when he joined the Atlanta Boy Choir.

After moving to Pennsylvania, he continued singing in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Boys Choir. Throughout his school years, Justin sang in different choirs. From 1996 to 2000, he was the main singer in an amazing a cappella group called The Midnight Voices. This group even released an album to help raise money for a music scholarship.

Besides singing, Justin also learned to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. He loved performing in school plays, taking on lead roles in shows like The Mystery of Edwin Drood and The Little Prince.

Starting His Career

After studying music and theater in college, Justin moved to New York City. He performed in nightclubs and tried out for Broadway shows. In April 2002, he decided to audition for a new TV show called American Idol.

Around the same time, he was offered a role in the Broadway musical The Lion King. It was a tough choice, but Justin felt a strong pull towards American Idol. He decided to turn down the Broadway offer to follow his dream on the singing competition.

American Idol Journey

Justin's performances on American Idol impressed the judges. Even tough judge Simon Cowell praised his voice, saying it was rare to hear someone so talented and undiscovered. Justin made it all the way to the finale, becoming the runner-up to the winner, Kelly Clarkson, in September 2002.

Soon after American Idol, Justin signed a record deal with RCA. Before the American Idol tour, he was the only contestant invited to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show. On the show, Oprah Winfrey told him he had a special "it" factor.

American Idol Performances

Music Albums and TV Work

First Albums

Justin's first album, named Justin Guarini, came out in June 2003. Around the same time, he starred with Kelly Clarkson in the movie From Justin to Kelly. The movie didn't get great reviews, and his record deal with RCA ended in December 2003.

In December 2005, Justin released his second album, Stranger Things Have Happened. He produced this album himself. It featured new versions of classic jazz songs. Critics said his natural singing skills really shined on this album.

From 2007 to 2011, Justin worked as a co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight on TV Guide Network. He also hosted movie specials and covered awards shows like the Grammy Awards.

Revolve and Family Life

Justin Guarini at the Hard Rock Cafe in Atlanta (2012)

In May 2008, Justin released an acoustic album called Revolve. It included three songs he helped write and produce.

Justin married his fiancée, Reina Capodici, on September 26, 2009. They welcomed their first child on April 26, 2011, and their second child on February 25, 2013.

Acting and Performing Today

Justin Guarini as Fiyero in Wicked

Justin Guarini has become a big part of the Broadway community. He made his Broadway debut in 2010 in the musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Critics praised his performance, calling him "charming" and "likeable."

He also played Will in Green Day's rock musical American Idiot in 2011. Later, in 2013, he was in a modern Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, playing Paris. From February to December 2014, Justin joined the Broadway cast of Wicked as Fiyero.

Justin has also performed in many other stage shows, including lead roles in Rent, Chicago, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Recent Projects

Justin Guarini in Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

Since 2015, Justin has been starring as a character named Lil' Sweet in Diet Dr Pepper TV commercials. This character became very popular, even getting his own Twitter page and promotional videos. In 2016, Justin released a 17-track album called "JG."

In 2021, Justin starred as Prince Charming in a new musical called Once Upon a One More Time. He continued this role when the musical moved to Broadway in May 2023.

Discography

Studio Albums

Other Music Contributions

• Foreign Shores by David Hughes (featured vocalist) 2009
• The Awakening of Angel DeLuna (cast album) 2009
• I Could Use a Drink by Drew Gasparini (featured vocalist) 2012
• Where the Sky Ends: Music by Michael Mott by Michael Mott (featured vocalist) 2014
• Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Original Broadway Cast) 2011
• Paint Your Wagon (cast album) 2014
• In Transit (cast album) 2016

EPs

• Revolve (Acoustic) (May 2008)
• "JG" (2016)

Songs

• Did You Know That I Know Your Journey? (2006)
• Everlasting for documentary Project Everlasting (2006)
• What You Won't Do for Love for Drivetime Reflections (2010)

Film and TV Roles

Films

Television

Theater Roles