Who is in the commercial with Gwen Stefani?
Unpacking the Rock-Star Cast of Workday’s Campaign
(By Jim Webb)
Gwen Stefani has recently featured in a high‑profile advertising campaign for enterprise software company Workday. The campaign—a witty riff on the phrase “corporate rock stars”—raises the question: Who shares the screen with Gwen Stefani in these commercials? Here’s a deep dive into the talent, the creative concept behind the ads, and why audiences are loving the juxtaposition.
Introduction: The Campaign That Shook the Boardroom
Workday has built its global marketing around the clever and humorous notion: calling employees “rock stars” doesn’t quite live up when delivered by true music legends. In its 2025 campaign, Gwen Stefani stars alongside Paul Stanley of Kiss and Billy Idol—all dressed in business attire, trying to navigate Workday’s AI‑powered corporate world. The result is a series of commercials that both poke fun and highlight the platform’s power.
Meet the Stars: Gwen Stefani, Paul Stanley & Billy Idol
Gwen Stefani, the lead singer of No Doubt and multi‑platinum solo artist, anchors the ads with her signature rock‑star confidence. She opens the spot with lines like, “You think AI agents can handle your tasks? Watch me handle my agent!”
Investor Relations | Workday.
Paul Stanley, the iconic singer and guitarist from Kiss, appears in full makeup and suit during corporate presentations, quipping “So you corporate types think you’re rock stars? That’s as ridiculous as us being corporate types!”.
Billy Idol, punk rock legend, delivers sarcastic one‑liners mocking office boosterism: “How about trashing hotel rooms?!”.
These three rock legends playfully clash with the idea of corporate jargon and office life, reinforcing the message that Workday’s customers—not just titles—are the true rock stars of business.
Spotlight on the Commercials: Titles & Highlights
Workday launched two primary TV spots in early April 2025 during The Masters golf tournament (April 7–13): “Carmen the Rock Star” and “Goodnight Rock Stars.” These follow-up ads to Workday’s 2023 Super Bowl campaign feature the same tongue‑in‑cheek theme of rock stars in office settings.
In “Carmen the Rock Star”, Gwen confronts a Q1 “rock star” award winner and demands: “Do you have a platinum record?”
In “Goodnight Rock Stars”, Billy Idol throws something at a meeting screen and apologizes: “Sorry, habit.”
Meanwhile, Paul Stanley signs off the day with pyro effects and deadpan delivery: “I’ll see you tomorrow.”.
Humor Meets Strategy: Why the Campaign Resonates
The juxtaposition of real rock icons versus corporate buzzwords underlines Workday’s message: genuine tools and data‑driven AI—the kind Workday sells—are what truly empower employees. It’s not mere branding speak; it’s about delivering real results.
The campaign notably follows Workday’s successful 2023 Super Bowl debut that featured Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett, and Gary Clark Jr., and reportedly boosted brand consideration by 65% and awareness by 14%.
Stefani, Stanley, and Idol’s presence in crisp suits, yet constantly reminding viewers of their real stage credentials, drives home the contrast with hilarious effect.
Behind the Scenes: Creative & Direction
These ads were produced in partnership with Ogilvy and directed by Jim Jenkins of Positive O, who helmed the earlier State Farm and Super Bowl campaigns.
The tone is playful yet pointed—real rock stars refusing to buy into corporate self‑congratulation. One favorite exchange: Stefani storms into a meeting called out for being “Q1 Rock Star” and says, “Excuse me, Tim. Do you have a platinum record?”.
Video Spotlight
This clip captures the essence of the campaign—rock legends in the rigors of office life, challenging the idea of what makes someone a real “rock star.”
Cultural Impact & Audience Reaction
Fans and marketing commentators alike have praised the campaign’s creativity. On social media, viewers joked about the sheer absurdity of seeing Billy Idol in a cubicle or Paul Stanley delivering a memo. Industry articles called it a standout example of bold B2B creative storytelling.
For many, the ads are more than funny—they’re a refreshing break from the usual tech commercial tropes and an effective way to humanize enterprise software.
Conclusion: Why Gwen Stefani and Her Co‑Stars Work
To directly answer the titular question: In the Workday commercial with Gwen Stefani are Paul Stanley of Kiss and Billy Idol. Together they bring credibility, irony, and entertainment value to what could be a dry business message. The contrast between real rock-star credentials and corporate vernacular makes for memorable advertising.
By pairing world-renowned musicians with witty corporate satire, Workday positions itself as the true enabler of operational excellence—no metaphor or hyperbole required.
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