Pepsi Brings Memories Back with its Pakistan Idol ‘Who’s Next’ TVC
Given the unmistakable Idols styling and format, it’s evident that Pepsi worked closely with FremantleMedia to bring this concept to life.
Pepsi Pakistan has successfully tapped into collective nostalgia with its visually striking Pakistan Idol television commercial. The ad brings together an impressive lineup of Pakistani superstars spanning several decades, many of whom have had a long-standing association with Pepsi—either through iconic TV commercials or live concert collaborations.
The commercial unfolds as a carefully curated montage set to contemporary Pakistani music, seamlessly blending past and present. One of the most emotionally resonant moments is the appearance of Junaid Jamshed, whose performance against the familiar Pepsi light-bulb backdrop instantly evokes memories of an earlier era. Equally nostalgic is Haroon grabbing a Pepsi bottle, a clear nod to the legendary “Yeh Dil Maange Aur” campaign that defined pop culture advertising in Pakistan for years.
The ad also features Strings members Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood, alongside present-day pop sensation Ali Zafar, reinforcing Pepsi’s long-running connection with Pakistani music across generations. The commercial concludes with a simple yet effective visual: an individual taking a sip of Pepsi, followed by a bold message in the Idols font and theme asking, “Who’s Next?”—a question aimed as much at aspiring talent as at viewers themselves.
Given the unmistakable Idols styling and format, it’s evident that Pepsi worked closely with FremantleMedia to bring this concept to life. From a viewer’s perspective, the effort clearly pays off. The commercial feels celebratory, polished, and emotionally engaging. Kudos to Pepsi for amplifying the festive spirit around the Idol season and reminding audiences why its music-led campaigns remain so memorable.
Interestingly, Pepsi Pakistan’s “Who’s Next” commercial is inspired by Pepsi America’s 2011 “Who’s Next” campaign, which featured international icons such as Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and Kanye West. That campaign was designed to promote The X Factor, a reality show concept rivaling the Idol franchise. It’s worth checking out as a point of comparison, particularly in how global campaign ideas are adapted for local audiences.
Song information:
The track featured in the commercial is Tonight’s the Night by Outasight.
Archival note: A version of this post was originally published on the now-defunct digital media project aarpix.com. It is being republished here solely for archival and record-keeping purposes.