Is Keke Palmer in the Starry Soda commercial?
Uncapping the bubbly role of actress-singer Keke Palmer in PepsiCo’s vibrant Starry campaign
(By Carmichael Phillip)
In early 2023, PepsiCo launched Starry—a refreshing lemon-lime soda aiming to succeed where Sierra Mist once fizzled. To spark attention, the brand rolled out a 30‑second spot during NBA All-Star Weekend featuring none other than Keke Palmer, joined by NBA star Tyrese Maxey and two animated mascots, “Lem” and “Lime.” The ad, cheekily titled “Starry Struck”, humorously shows Palmer courtside, utterly parched—until she’s introduced to a surreal, sparkling savior: Starry.
Below, we explore every angle: the commercial itself, Palmer’s role, audience reaction, and why this campaign is a marketing moment worth savoring. You’ll also find embedded video content and visual examples illustrating her impact.
Keke Palmer takes center stage
Star of film, TV, music, and Broadway, Palmer is known for her dynamic energy and infectious personality. In the “Starry Struck” spot, she plays a fan T‑shirted up, tipping her head back mid-game—and provoking a comedic transformation. The camera pans as two animated citrus mascots offer her a can, prompting her to take a crisp, exaggerated sip and quip with delight: “OOO WEEEE!”
Her natural charisma brings life to the spot, making Starry feel both playful and irresistible. Tyrese Maxey, seen in cameo, applauds her reaction, reinforcing her role as the beat of the ad. The PR around the commercial leaned heavily into Palmer’s enthusiasm—her quote included, “The commercial is so cool… I’m so pumped about it”.
Behind the scenes: Brand strategy
Starry launched in January 2023 as PepsiCo’s flagship lemon-lime soda under the Tropicana umbrella, intended to rival Sprite. Timed to debut during NBA All‑Star Weekend, the campaign aligned Starry with hoops credibility—PepsiCo even became the league’s official soft drink for NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League games.
Partnering with VaynerMedia, the creative teams designed an ad with multi-generational appeal: a familiar celebrity (Palmer), active athletes (Maxey, future brand spokespeople Zion Williamson, Klay Thompson, A’ja Wilson), and vibrant animation, making Starry engaging to both Gen Z and sports fans.
Embedded above is the official YouTube video of the commercial. Notice: Palmer’s signature flair, the playful mascots, and Maxey’s touch—highlights why this simple spot resonated beyond soda aisles.
Mascots & comic chemistry
In addition to Palmer and Maxey, two animated figures—‘Lem’ and ‘Lime’—are present courtside. They flail and push the soda to her mouth, creating a moment of delight when she finally sips. Then enters Soda Man, a muscular, shimmering anthropomorphic can whose presence steals the scene—his rippling form visually embodies the drink’s “bursting with flavor” positioning.
Palmer’s comedic timing and expressive reaction to both the mascots and Soda Man showcase her range—proving yet again why she’s a go-to personality for vibrant, youth-centric ads.
Audience & media reception
Marketing industry sources like Adweek and Muse by Clios praised the ad’s mix of humor, animation, and celebrity magnetism. Adweek noted “the actress finds love in a hopeless place,” referencing the soda-curing tension captured on screen.
Online audiences responded positively, with TikTok and Instagram echoing “Starry hits different”—often posted by Palmer herself in her Instagram/TikTok Stories.
From a branding standpoint, aligning Palmer with Starry signaled a youthful, energetic persona—an apt strategy as PepsiCo positioned Starry as the Next Big Thing in lemon-lime.
Comparisons with past stars and ads
Pepsi/Starry’s move isn’t new—celebrity-driven ad campaigns have long been a go-to. But Palmer’s influence stands out due to her multifaceted career and relatability. While soda mascots and sports celebrities have been paired before, few spots marry animated mascots, athlete cameos, and a major celebrity as seamlessly.
Palmer’s spot, airing during prime basketball programming, framed her as both relatable fan and trendsetter—an alignment other soda brands have attempted, but Starry cemented with precision.
Visual breakdown & examples
Opening tension – Slow zoom on Palmer’s dry throat during a pivotal play. The camera captures her visible thirst, building curiosity.
Mascot comedic entry – Two stop-motion citrus figures attempt to coax her. Their exaggerated antics elevate the comedy.
Soda Man reveal – A glistening, near life-sized soda man bursts into frame; Palmer’s “drinking his face” moment underscores the brand’s playful absurdity.
Final reaction – Palmer delivers her signature exclamation, followed by a wink to camera as mascots celebrate. It closes on the tagline: “Starry. Hits different.”
These visual beats create a story arc in just 30 seconds—testimony to Palmer’s ability to convey humor, freshness, and spontaneity in tight screen time.
Why Keke Palmer was the perfect fit
Cross-generational appeal: As an actress, singer, and host, Palmer resonates across age groups.
Authentic humor: She isn’t merely repeating lines—she embodies the reaction, genuinely responding to the mascots’ antics.
Cultural relevance: With her rising profile post-2022’s Nope, and hosting gigs, she’s a name audiences instantly recognize and trust.
PepsiCo reportedly chose Palmer after noting her natural magnetism and style—her digital presence (TikTok, Instagram) ensures the ad lives beyond broadcast, fueling shareability.
Marketing impact & campaign reach
Broadcast reach: Premiered during NBA All-Star ads, gaining millions of impressions.
Social reach: Clips and soundbites were shared on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter—especially around her catchphrase “OOO WEEEE!”
Extended endorsements: Palmer appears in stills and behind‑scenes short videos promoting Starry on PepsiCo’s channels.
The campaign aided Starry’s launch as “official soda of the NBA/WNBA/G‑League”—a position that reinforces the partnership between sport, celebrity, and beverage marketing.
Final analysis: The lasting fizz
Yes—Keke Palmer is unequivocally the lead in Starry’s key launch commercial.
Her performance affirmed her comedic skill and broad appeal.
The ad, though brief, is a masterclass in strategic celebrity branding: animated mascots + NBA stars + Palmer = relatable, memorable, socially shareable content.
As Starry cements its place in soda aisles, Palmer’s role will remain a standout example of how a celebrity can elevate a brand’s first impression. It’s more than product placement—it’s the star power meets sparkling sip.
In summary, Keke Palmer isn’t just in the Starry commercial—she drives it. From her thirst-quenching gag to her vibrant exclamation, she made the soda launch viral, memorable, and culturally relevant. The question isn’t if she’s in it—she owns it.
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