THEN AND NOW: People who came in second place on ‘American Idol’

Justin Guarini took his singing skills to Broadway after “Idol.”

Justin Guarini on “American Idol” (left) and on the “Idol red carpet in 2022 (right).

Kevin Winter/ImageDirect/FOX; Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Guarini worked for a wedding-entertainment company before he competed on “Idol” in 2002. He told Insider that when he requested time off to go to Hollywood, his boss joked that he would get famous and never return.

That prediction came true when the 23-year-old placed second behind Kelly Clarkson, one of the most successful “Idol” contestants in the franchise’s history.

After season one ended, Guarini and Clarkson costarred in the romantic comedy “From Justin to Kelly” (2003). Critics panned the film, but it held a special place in the hearts of “Idol” fans. 

His two post-show albums, “Justin Guarini” and “Stranger Things Have Happened,” did not perform well on the charts. 

Guarini eventually transitioned to Broadway. In the last two decades, he’s starred in a variety of shows including “American Idiot,” “Wicked,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “In Transit.” 

Today, he’s probably most recognizable as Lil’ Sweet from the Dr. Pepper commercials. 

He told Insider that he traces his “wonderful and wild career” in Broadway, film, television, commercials, and cartoons back to “American Idol.” 

“The impact that I was able to be a part of on that first season is priceless,” Guarini said.