We already knew Melanie Amaro, the 19-year-old winner of The X Factor, would be starring in a Pepsi spot from TBWA\Chiat\Day during the Super Bowl. Now comes word that Pepsi's plans for Sunday's game include two older gents—Elton John and Regis Philbin. John, 64, will appear with Amaro in the 60-second Pepsi spot, while Philbin, 80, will anchor a 30-second spot for Pepsi MAX. The Pepsi :60 is described as "a rock-fantasy version of medieval times" with Amaro performing her own version of Aretha Franklin's "Respect." Here's some behind-the-scenes footage:
Amaro sings "in front of a 'royal court of rock,'" including Elton John's character, the King. The ad establishes Pepsi as the brand for people who are not afraid to take a chance, raise their voice and give it their all. It also highlights the fact that Pepsi has an irresistible taste worth challenging a king for. With epic Pepsi scale and a big dose of humor, the commercial ends with a twist and the tagline, "Where there's Pepsi, there's music." Pepsi fans who Shazam the spot during the game will see Amaro's accompanying music video.
Below is a 45-second version of the Pepsi MAX ad (the in-game spot will be a :30). It shows a Coke Zero deliveryman buying some Pepsi MAX at the store—Reege has a cameo at the end. It will be interesting to see how Coca-Cola's bears, who'll be watching the game in real time, react to the Pepsi work. Active heckling or stone-faced boredom?