'American Idol' Justin Guarini in Diet Dr Pepper Commercial Channels Character 'Lil Sweet' [WATCH]

American Idol Season 1 finalist Justin Guarini has channeled character Lil Sweet in a new Diet Dr Pepper commercial. The American Idol star came close to winning the show's first season in 2002, alongside ultimate winner Kelly Clarkson.

In the Diet Dr Pepper ad, a woman goes into an apparent lunchroom at an office sharing that she wants "something sweet without all the calories." Guarini -- as a much smaller version of himself -- glides in singing his own name "Lil Sweet." He presents the woman who has a sweet tooth with a Diet Dr Pepper, soulfully telling her to "just take a sip."

When Guarini is not singing as Lil Sweet, he is actively performing in plays and muscials. According to Billboard, the singer recently appeared in the musical Paint Your Wagon as Julio, playing at the New York City Center, and is set to play Bobby in the play Company, slated to run May 29 through June 21.

In 2013, Guarini made a lot of headlines following a personal blog post that revealed the singer skipped meals to provide for his wife and children. USA Today reported that Guarini felt the reception was taken out of context. His initial post included the following quote.

"I'm unafraid to say that I am terrified. I am struggling to make each day meet the next without breaking down and curling up. Sometimes I envy people who sit at a desk all day (at least you know where your next meal is coming from). I'll smile, and laugh,and joke, and entertain ... because sometimes it's the only way to keep the ghosts of regret and loss at bay. I am unafraid to be afraid, and in that fear I gather strength," he wrote.

USA Today reported a tweet from the singer the following day that shared how his letter was misconstrued.

"Obviously you completely missed the point of my letter @peoplemag. News isn't news anymore, and I'm nowhere near poverty. #twistedmytruth," he tweeted.

Today, Guarini is seemingly up and about and has also appeared on Broadway's Romeo and Juliet following the news circulating his blog post.

Check out Guarini's Diet Dr Pepper commercial via YouTube below.