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Justin Guarini Returns to TV in Funny “Lil’ Sweet” Diet Dr Pepper Commercial

Justin Guarini
Justin Guarini is in a new Diet Dr. Pepper commercial

From Idol to ads! Justin Guarini is back on television 13 years after he made his debut on 2002's inaugural season of American Idol

The singer, 36, landed a spot in an instantly inescapable new Diet Dr Pepper commercial. The clip opens with a shot of an office break room, as a female employee laments, "I want something sweet without all the calories." 

As soon as she voices her desire, a tiny, costumed fairy-like Guarini makes his appearance as Lil' Sweet. He sings his own name in a high-pitched tone, carries a tambourine, and sports a long maroon wig, matching pants and scarf, a silver jacket, and fingerless gloves.

"Did someone ask for the sweet no-cal sweetness of Diet Dr Pepper?" the unexpected mystical visitor asks. He then cracks open a can of the soda, whispering, "Shh… just take a sip." Guarini continues to show off his Idol-famed pipes, doing riffs as he pushes the pop.

Related: PHOTOS: Amazing American Idol Makeovers!

In addition to his hilariously bizarre new gig as Lil' Sweet, Guarini is also appearing on the stage in a revival of Paint Your Wagon. After losing to ultimate winner Kelly Clarkson in the finale of American Idol, the curly haired crooner found success on the theater stage. The former pop hopeful has appeared in various productions including Broadway's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and American Idiot in 2011, and Romeo and Juliet in 2013. 

Watch Guarini take on his latest role in the video above!

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