Pepsi - Madonna "Make a wish" a generation ahead (1989) 2:00 (USA)

Madonna is watching old home movies of herself as a child, then she's in the old home movie, and at the end of what is basically an alternative music video for "Like a prayer", she toasts herself with a Pepsi and says: Go ahead, make a wish.

In February of 1989, Pepsi debuted this ad during the 31st Grammy Awards global telecast. Approximately 250 million individuals from around the world watched the commercial. According to Pepsi-Cola Company spokesperson Todd MacKenzie, the advertisement was intended to be shown simultaneously in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. A week later the commercial was aired during one of the most popular shows of that era, NBC's sitcom The Cosby Show.

Although Madonna's "Like a Prayer" Pepsi commercial depicted her as an innocent American girl, her music video showcased provocative religious imagery. Pepsi justified the contrast between its ad and Madonna's artistic vision in her music video. However, after receiving backlash from conservative Christian groups, Pepsi gave in and withdrew the campaign. Reports have it that Pepsi was so keen to distance themselves from the controversy that they even let Madonna keep the $5 million advance.

Tagline: A generation ahead.

Client: Pepsi
Ad agency: BBDO
Director: Joe Pytka
Choreographer: Vince Paterson
Principal talent: Madonna

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