John Legend is an award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and actor who has appeared in his fair share of commercials over the years. From food and beverage to tech and apparel, Legend has lent his voice and likeness to promote various brands and products. Here is an overview of some of the major commercial campaigns John Legend has starred in throughout his career.
Google Assistant Commercials
One of John Legend’s most visible and long-running ad partnerships has been with Google and their Google Assistant technology.
Google Assistant Holiday Campaign (2018 – Present)
Since 2018, Legend has been featured in Google’s annual holiday campaign for their Google Assistant product.
The ads usually feature Legend using Google Assistant on smart home devices to help him get ready for the holidays, like adding things to his shopping list, controlling the thermostat, and more. The commercials have a heartwarming vibe that aim to show how Google Assistant can make the holidays easier.
Google Super Bowl Ad (2019)
In 2019, Legend appeared in a Google Super Bowl commercial promoting Google Assistant.
In the 60-second ad, Legend is home alone with his Google Assistant and asks it to turn on the TV. This prompts the Assistant to launch a visual journey through Legend’s life career, past and present.
The ad concludes with the tagline “Sometimes love needs a little help” showing how Google Assistant provides that help in daily life.
Google Pixel 4 Ad (2019)
Also in 2019, Legend was featured in an ad for Google’s Pixel 4 smartphone.
The spot focused on how Google Assistant’s voice recognition abilities allow Pixel 4 users to get more done hands-free. In the ad, Legend multitasks getting dinner ready while querying Assistant on sports scores, weather, and more.
Google Nest Audio Ad (2020)
In 2020, Legend starred in a commercial for Google’s Nest Audio smart speaker.
The ad shows Legend using the Nest Audio to call up cooking instructions via Assistant as he prepares a meal for his family. It highlights the speaker’s intelligent assistant capabilities and audio quality.
Google Assistant Everyday Helper Campaign (2021)
In 2021, Legend appeared in a series of spots that positioned Google Assistant as an everyday helper for tasks big and small.
The ads showed Legend using Assistant throughout his daily routine – listening to the news, getting an update on his schedule, calling his wife, controlling smart home devices, and more.
The overall message was Google Assistant’s utility and convenience across multiple domains.
Voice of Google Assistant
In addition to appearing in ads, John Legend has also been a voice option for Google Assistant since 2019.
Users who own Google Assistant devices like Google Home smart speakers can opt to switch the Assistant’s default voice to Legend’s. This allows them to interact with a version of Assistant that speaks in Legend’s recognizable vocals.
Legend was the first celebrity voice made available for Google Assistant, offering a more natural conversational experience. Google has since added other celebrity voices like Issa Rae.
Apple AirPods Commercial (2019)
In 2019, John Legend starred in an ad campaign for Apple’s popular AirPods wireless earbuds.
The 15-second spot featured Legend realizing he’s forgotten his AirPods as he’s about to head to the gym. He then cracks a smile as his wife Chrissy Teigen magically appears and hands him hers.
The ad focused on convenience and highlighted how AirPods easily switch between Apple devices. Its tagline was “Share the magic.”
Stella Artois Super Bowl Ad (2019)
Also in 2019, Legend appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Stella Artois beer alongside actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
The ad was part of Stella’s “Pour It Forward” campaign which aimed to provide access to clean water for those in need.
In the spot, Parker and Legend eschew their iconic characters (Carrie from Sex and the City and aGRAMMY® Award, respectively) to enjoy and promote Stella Artois. This demonstrated “pouring it forward” by sacrificing something you love for a good cause.
Uber Eats Commercial (2021)
In 2021, John Legend was featured in an Uber Eats ad alongside celebrities like Jennifer Coolidge, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Trevor Noah.
The humorous ad shows the stars encountering awkward situations while eating – getting caught dancing with their mouth full, getting food stuck in their teeth, etc. The tagline “Tonight I’ll Be Eating” embraced showing your true, unfiltered self while enjoying delivery with Uber Eats.
Wildhorse & Winners Casino TV Commercial (2022)
In mid-2022, Legend filmed a TV commercial spot for Wildhorse & Winners Casino in Southern Oregon.
In the ad, Legend performs a smooth cover of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” while encouraging viewers to enjoy the casino’s dining, entertainment, and relaxation.
This
MGM Resorts Commercial (2022)
In late 2022, John Legend appeared in a series of ads for MGM Resorts Las Vegas promoting their entertainment, dining, casinos, and hotels.
In one ad, Legend highlights the legendary residency performers at MGM venues. Other spots feature Legend lounging by the pool and making the most of the Vegas experience with MGM.
VitaminWater Commercial (2007)
One of John Legend’s earliest ad appearances was in a 2007 campaign for VitaminWater.
The spot shows Legend drinking VitaminWater while he plays the piano and highlights the brand’s variety of flavors. This helped promote VitaminWater as a cooler, more high-end alternative to other sports drinks and waters.
Gap “Holiday in Your Hood” Campaign (2021)
In 2021, Legend starred in Gap’s holiday ad campaign titled “Holiday in Your Hood” alongside other Black creatives like Tierra Whack and Queen Latifah.
The ads showed Legend and others wearing Gap clothing and embracing the holiday spirit in their local communities. Gap promoted supporting small businesses and spreading joy during the season.
SkinStore Campaign (2022)
In 2022, Legend became a brand ambassador for SkinStore.com, an ecommerce site for premium skincare products.
Legend appears in promotional photos and videos using SkinStore products to care for his skin. As a skincare investor and founder of his own skincare line, Legend’s partnership aims to further elevate SkinStore as a top destination for effective, luxurious skincare.
CoverGirl Campaign (2008)
In 2008, John Legend fronted a campaign for CoverGirl cosmetics alongside R&B artist Rihanna.
As one of the first male ambassadors for the brand, Legend helped shine a light on diversity and gender inclusivity in the beauty industry through this partnership.
The ads featured Legend using CoverGirl products like foundation, mascara, and lip gloss to highlight how makeup isn’t just for women.
Infiniti Car Campaign (2011)
Legend was part of a 2011 ad campaign for the launch of Infiniti’s G Sedan series.
The spots focus on different inspirations behind the sedan’s design. In one ad, Legend appears while the narrator describes how the G Sedan draws influence from iconic grand pianos in its sleek silhouette and refinements.
This helped position the G Sedan as a meticulously crafted luxury vehicle inspired by design greats.
Porsche Campaign (2018)
In 2018, John Legend starred in a series of short films for Porsche highlighting key facets of the luxury sports car brand – performance, design and culture.
One ad shows Legend composing a new song after finding inspiration during a sunset drive in a Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. The campaign aimed to reflect the thrilling, creativity-sparking experiences Porsche vehicles can provide.
Hershey’s Kisses “Say It With A Kiss” Campaign (2020)
Leading up to Valentine’s Day 2020, Legend appeared in a series of spots for Hershey’s Kisses encouraging gifting chocolate to spread love and connection.
The ads showed Legend performing comical impromptu songs on the spot after being prompted by friends and strangers with Hershey’s Kisses.
This tied to the campaign theme of letting a Hershey’s Kiss speak for you and say things you can’t always express in words when it comes to romance.
Rimmel London (2013)
In 2013, John Legend teamed up with his wife Chrissy Teigen to appear in several ads for Rimmel London.
The print and TV ads spotlighted Rimmel products like the Stay Matte foundation and Apocalips lip lacquer. The couple’s natural chemistry helped show how Rimmel can enhance date night looks and create romantic moments.
Pepsi “Live for Now Moments Anthems” Campaign (2017)
Legend was one of several artists featured in Pepsi’s 2017 campaign spotlighting their sponsored live music events and experiences. Legend appeared in an ad singing an a cappella version of the Pepsi jingle out in nature, illustrating Pepsi’s goal to create unique music moments for fans.
Conclusion
Throughout his acclaimed career, John Legend has proven to be an in-demand celebrity for commercial partnerships across a diverse range of brands. His unique status as a multi-GRAMMY® Award winning singer-songwriter with widespread appeal has made him an effective marketing collaborator for categories spanning technology, food and beverage, travel, beauty, and more.
While Legend takes on select brand collaborations, he maintains discernment to partner with companies that align with his values and aesthetic. From Google to Airbnb, Legend’s advertising collaborations have helped craft compelling, creative campaigns that resonate with consumers. As he continues expanding his entrepreneurial endeavors in areas like production, tech investments, and consumer products, fans can likely expect to see John Legend starring in even more innovative marketing initiatives in the future.
FAQs
What was John Legend’s first major ad campaign?
One of John Legend’s earliest high-profile ad campaigns was for VitaminWater in 2007. The spot featured Legend drinking VitaminWater while playing piano.
Which tech brands has John Legend done ads for?
Legend has been featured in numerous ads for Google and their products like the Google Assistant, Pixel phones, and Nest Audio speaker. He’s also starred in a campaign for Apple AirPods.
What food brands has John Legend promoted?
Legend has appeared in ads for Stella Artois beer, Hershey’s Kisses, and Uber Eats among other food-related brands.
Has John Legend done fashion advertising?
Yes, Legend has been in campaigns for Gap clothing and Rimmel London beauty products. He was also an early CoverGirl cosmetics ambassador.
What casinos and hotels has Legend done ads for?
In 2022, Legend filmed ads promoting Wildhorse & Winners Casino and MGM Resorts Las Vegas.
Has John Legend done car commercials?
Legend has been featured in several auto ads including campaigns for Porsche and Infiniti highlighting different car models.