Who is the female singer in the Gladiator Pepsi commercial?

Who is the female singer in the Gladiator Pepsi commercial?

Unveiling the star behind the modern‑day “Gladiator II” Pepsi anthem

(By Carmichael Phillip)

In September 2024, Pepsi launched an explosive “Gladiator II – Make Your Gameday Epic” commercial tied to the NFL season and anticipated Ridley Scott sequel. Front and center in this epic three‑minute spectacle is a surprising voice: Megan Thee Stallion. She delivers a fierce, reimagined version of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” commanding the arena as empress, flanked by NFL icons and cinematic flair. Let’s break down the music, visuals, and legacy of this modern gladiator anthem—with videos, context, and expert insights.

Megan Thee Stallion (real name Megan Jovon Ruth Pete) rose to fame with chart‑topping hits like “Savage” and her confident, empowering persona. In this commercial, she transitions from pure hip‑hop star to an operatic empress. She leads the ad with a powerhouse studio‑recorded cover of Queen’s anthem /“We Will Rock You (Megan Thee Stallion Version)”/, which blends iconic stomp‑clap rhythms with fresh lyrics and her signature vocal stylings.

This isn’t just background music—it’s a musical performance, a bold reinterpretation released as a single on September 5, 2024 alongside the advertisement.

The ad starts with two NFL fans (actors Jake Lacy and Lamorne Morris) unknowingly served Pepsi. A magical sip transforms their reality into a digital Colosseum filled with tigers and heroes. NFL stars Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Justin Jefferson emerge as gladiators—but it’s Megan who steals the scene as their commanding empress. She unleashes the animals, rallies the crowd, and belts out her version of the iconic anthem.

Every frame blends cinematic scale (think Gladiator II) with modern star power. Directed by Jake Scott (son of Ridley Scott), and tied into Paramount’s Gladiator II campaign, it’s bigger than a soda ad—it’s a cultural moment.

Iconic lineage: Pepsi revisited the Gladiator campaign 20 years after Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Pink starred in a 2004 ad performing “We Will Rock You” in a similar Roman‑arena spectacle.

Modern star energy: Megan refers to the ad as “the rite of passage all the baddies have to go through—Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Pink—and now Megan”.

Commercial synergy: Tied to the NFL season and a blockbuster film franchise, it shows Pepsi doubling down on cultural reach.

Unlike earlier versions that merely borrowed Queen’s chorus, Megan recorded a fresh take. She maintains the heavy stomp‑clap beat but adds new lyrics and production twists. Queen are credited as co‑artists, demonstrating Pepsi’s push to merge legacy rock with contemporary hip‑hop bravado.

Fans and media praised the performance: “It was fun putting my creative flip on such an iconic Queen song…” she said. The track launched across streaming platforms, giving the ad musical afterlife beyond the commercial.

NFL athletes featured in the ad echoed Megan’s excitement. Travis Kelce described being in the commercial as an “absolute honor,” praising both Megan and the cinematic scale of the production. Behind-the-scenes reports highlighted Kelce keeping his custom‑made gladiator armor—a symbol of how personal and immersive the campaign was.

The ad aired widely at NFL games, CBS Sports, and Paramount Global outlets, making it one of Pepsi’s most ambitious campaigns in years.

Element 2004 Gladiator Ad 2024 Gladiator II Ad
Headliners Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Pink, Enrique Iglesias, Megan Thee Stallion and four NFL stars
Song Queen’s “We Will Rock You” chorus Reimagined Queen version by Megan
Setting Colosseum; singers as gladiators Digital Colosseum; transit to football field
Director Tarsem Singh Jake Scott (Ridley’s son)

Both campaigns fused cinematic visuals, women in commanding roles, and mega artists to redefine Pepsi’s brand image. But in 2024, the tie-in to the NFL and a major film sequel scaled the effort to new heights.

Official ad previews: The Commercialsreview YouTube clip embedded above is the clearest available standalone version.

Behind the scenes: Check People and TikTok clips for Travis Kelce’s armor reveal and fan reactions.

Streaming audio: “We Will Rock You (Megan Thee Stallion Version)” is released as a streaming single—search on major music platforms to hear the full track outside the ad.

Nostalgia leveraged: Pepsi taps a 20‑year tradition, reawakening a familiar epic motif with fresh energy.

Cross‑industry fusion: A superstar rapper, elite athletes, and blockbuster film ties drive broad appeal.

Music marketing rebooted: Releasing the song as a standalone drop modernizes how ads can impact streaming charts.

As Megan noted, this project marks a milestone in her career—literally sharing a marketing stage with established legends.

So, the “female singer in the Gladiator Pepsi commercial”? It’s Megan Thee Stallion—delivering Queen’s anthem with commanding style, tying together film, NFL, and brand spectacle. More than topping the charts, this performance cements her cultural dominance.

The campaign proves that modern advertising isn’t just about selling soda—it’s myth‑making. And Megan stands at center stage: gladiator queen, soundtrack star, game‑day empress.

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