
Addison Rae Diet Pepsi – Hit Song, Not a Commercial
Searches for an Addison Rae Diet Pepsi commercial lead to a singular discovery: no such advertisement exists. Instead, the phrase refers exclusively to Diet Pepsi, the synth-pop lead single from Rae’s debut studio album Addison, released August 9, 2024, via Columbia Records. The track went viral without any corporate partnership with PepsiCo, creating widespread confusion amid speculation about celebrity endorsements and nostalgic marketing campaigns.
The misconception stems from the song’s title and its cultural impact. While beverage brands historically deploy celebrity spokespeople for diet soda campaigns, Rae’s Diet Pepsi operates purely within the music ecosystem—a breakthrough hit that earned critical acclaim and charted internationally. Understanding the distinction requires examining the release timeline, creative origins, and the absence of any confirmed commercial collaboration.
What is the Addison Rae Diet Pepsi Commercial?
No evidence exists of a Diet Pepsi advertisement featuring Addison Rae. The term instead identifies her breakaway single, a synth-pop and alternative pop track co-written with Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd. Originally titled Backseat, the song earned its current name through a suggestion by Charli XCX and describes what sources characterize as “the immortal feeling of being young and in love.”
Key Insights
- Title Origin: Charli XCX suggested renaming the track from Backseat to Diet Pepsi during production.
- Major Label Debut: The single marked Rae’s first release under Columbia Records after signing in late 2023.
- Chart Milestone: Peaked at #54 on the US Billboard Hot 100, Rae’s first entry on the chart.
- International Success: Reached #10 in the UK and entered top 20 positions in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
- Viral Covers: Camila Cabello’s BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge cover gained viral traction and was subsequently released as a single.
- Music Video: Directed by Sean Price Williams, featuring a 1972 Cadillac Sixty Special and actor Drew Van Acker.
- No Corporate Tie-in: Absolutely no partnership, press release, or marketing agreement exists between Rae and PepsiCo regarding this title.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Addison Rae |
| Release Date | August 9, 2024 |
| Album | Addison (2025) |
| Label | Columbia Records |
| Genre | Synth-pop, alternative pop |
| Peak Billboard Position | #54 (Hot 100) |
| Peak UK Chart Position | #10 |
| Director | Sean Price Williams |
| Featured Vehicle | 1972 Cadillac Sixty Special |
| Original Title | Backseat |
| Title Suggested By | Charli XCX |
| Radio Impact | September 10, 2024 (US Contemporary Hit Radio) |
When Was the Addison Rae Diet Pepsi Ad Released?
No advertising campaign launched because no commercial partnership materialized. The confusion likely arises from the song’s August 9, 2024 release date and its subsequent viral spread across platforms typically used for advertising campaigns, including YouTube and TikTok. The rollout followed a strategic music marketing pattern rather than a beverage brand’s seasonal push.
Teaser Campaign
Rae initiated the promotional cycle on July 30, 2024, with a tweet announcing mysterious “something” for the following Monday. On August 1, she teased the now-iconic lyric “I don’t do coke. I much prefer Diet Pepsi!” across social platforms, accompanied by a snippet and promotional video. The official title and August 9 release confirmation arrived August 5. Source documentation confirms this timeline.
Despite widespread search queries regarding a 2024 commercial, PepsiCo has issued no press releases, secured no licensing agreements, and launched no advertising campaigns featuring Addison Rae in connection with this title. The beverage brand maintains no documented relationship with the artist or this specific musical work.
Global Rollout
Following the digital drop, Columbia Records distributed the track to US contemporary hit radio on September 10, 2024. Sony Italy handled radio airplay beginning October 11, 2024. The song subsequently expanded to hot adult contemporary formats on January 28, 2025, with vinyl LP editions shipping January 31, 2025. Wikipedia’s entry tracks these regional variations.
Why Did Addison Rae Partner with Diet Pepsi?
No corporate partnership exists between Addison Rae and the Diet Pepsi beverage brand. The connection is purely nominal, derived from the song’s provocative title and lyrical content. The creative decision to name the track Diet Pepsi emerged organically during studio sessions in Los Angeles, driven by artistic considerations rather than commercial sponsorship.
From “Backseat” to “Diet Pepsi”
The composition originated in February 2024 during writing sessions with Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd. Initially titled Backseat, the chorus melody materialized spontaneously on piano. Charli XCX later suggested the Diet Pepsi title, a revelation that redirected the track’s thematic focus toward nostalgic, carefree romantic imagery rather than automotive references. For readers interested in how professionals navigate creative industries, see How to Write a CV for guidance on artistic career documentation.
Rae signed with Columbia Records in late 2023 after presenting CEO Ron Perry with a visual concept binder rather than traditional audio demos. This visual-first approach influenced the cinematic quality of the Diet Pepsi music video and subsequent promotional materials.
Critical Reception
Critics widely praised the track’s vocal modulation and production aesthetics, drawing comparisons to early Lana Del Rey. The song’s success hinged entirely on its musical merits and viral organic growth, independent of beverage industry marketing budgets or cross-promotional strategies. No sales figures or Gen Z-specific demographic impact data appear in available sources.
What Song Features in Addison Rae’s Diet Pepsi Ad?
Diet Pepsi itself constitutes the song. No separate musical composition soundtracks a commercial because the commercial does not exist. The track functions as Rae’s lead single, complete with a dedicated music video released simultaneously with the audio on August 9, 2024. The video, directed by Sean Price Williams, features Rae alongside actor Drew Van Acker in a 1972 Cadillac Sixty Special, and includes a teaser for her subsequent release Aquamarine.
The music video’s aesthetic—featuring vintage automobiles and cinematic roadside imagery—may have contributed to confusion regarding commercial advertising, as these visual elements often appear in nostalgic brand campaigns. However, the production remains strictly an artistic endeavor for the album Addison.
Live Performance History
The track debuted live during the Sweat Tour with Charli XCX and Troye Sivan at Madison Square Garden on September 23, 2024. Rae subsequently performed the song as the closing track on The Addison Tour in 2025, and delivered a medley version on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on October 2, 2025. These performances cemented its status as a concert staple rather than a jingle for consumer products.
What is the Timeline of Addison Rae’s Diet Pepsi Release?
- : Rae hints at new music via tweet, announcing a Monday reveal.
- : Lyric tease (“I don’t do coke. I much prefer Diet Pepsi!”) and snippet posted to social media.
- : Official title Diet Pepsi and August 9 release date confirmed.
- : Single and music video released via Columbia Records.
- : US contemporary hit radio impact.
- : Live debut at Madison Square Garden on the Sweat Tour.
- : The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon performance.
- : Italian radio airplay via Sony Italy.
- : US hot adult contemporary radio release.
- : Vinyl LP format released.
What is Confirmed About Addison Rae and Diet Pepsi?
Established Information
- Diet Pepsi is a song, not a beverage commercial
- Released August 9, 2024 via Columbia Records
- Music video directed by Sean Price Williams
- Peaked at #54 on Billboard Hot 100; #10 in UK
- Title suggested by Charli XCX
- No financial or contractual relationship with PepsiCo
Information That Remains Unclear
- Specific streaming or sales figures
- Demographic breakdown of Gen Z listenership
- Whether PepsiCo may pursue future partnerships
- Family involvement in promotional decisions (e.g., “mom” references in search queries)
- Long-term chart performance beyond 2025
What is the Background of Addison Rae’s Diet Pepsi?
The track emerged from Rae’s transition from TikTok influencer to major-label recording artist. Following her independent 2023 EP AR, she secured her Columbia Records contract by rejecting traditional demo submissions in favor of a comprehensive visual concept binder that convinced CEO Ron Perry of her artistic vision. This methodical approach to career development reflects strategic planning similar to that required in other competitive fields; those exploring professional documentation standards might reference Michelle Fairley Movies and TV Shows to observe how established performers structure their career portfolios.
The song’s creation in February 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Rae’s musical evolution. Working with Kloser and Anderfjärd, she developed a sound that critics aligned with alternative pop and synth-pop traditions, specifically invoking Lana Del Rey’s early aesthetic. The spontaneous piano-driven genesis of the chorus—later enhanced by Charli XCX’s title suggestion—demonstrates the collaborative, organic nature of modern pop production. No historical Diet Pepsi endorsements or previous brand associations appear in Rae’s documented career history.
What Do Sources Say About Diet Pepsi?
“I don’t do coke. I much prefer Diet Pepsi!”
— Addison Rae, promotional teaser, August 1, 2024
Describes “the immortal feeling of being young and in love.”
— Thematic analysis, Wikipedia entry citing production notes
What is the Truth Behind Addison Rae’s Diet Pepsi?
Addison Rae’s Diet Pepsi represents a 2024 viral music phenomenon, not a corporate advertising campaign. The synth-pop single achieved chart success and critical acclaim entirely through Columbia Records’ music distribution channels, with no involvement from PepsiCo regarding licensing, endorsements, or commercial production. The persistence of search queries regarding a commercial likely stems from the beverage brand’s historical celebrity marketing and the song’s culturally penetrative title. Aspiring professionals examining Rae’s career trajectory might consult How to Write a CV to understand how visual presentation impacts industry opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Addison Rae sponsored by Diet Pepsi the beverage?
No. No evidence exists of any sponsorship, partnership, or commercial agreement between Addison Rae and PepsiCo regarding Diet Pepsi. The phrase refers exclusively to her 2024 song.
Who produced the song Diet Pepsi?
The track was produced during sessions with songwriters Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd in Los Angeles, with the title suggested by Charli XCX.
What album features Diet Pepsi?
The song appears on Rae’s debut studio album Addison, released in 2025 via Columbia Records.
What vehicle appears in the Diet Pepsi music video?
The video features a 1972 Cadillac Sixty Special. Rae appears in the vehicle alongside actor Drew Van Acker.
Did Diet Pepsi reach number one on any charts?
While it peaked at #54 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song reached the top 10 in the UK, Ireland, and Singapore.
Who covered Diet Pepsi for BBC Radio 1?
Camila Cabello performed a viral cover during BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, which Interscope subsequently released as a single.
When did Addison Rae first perform Diet Pepsi live?
Rae debuted the song live on September 23, 2024, during the Sweat Tour with Charli XCX and Troye Sivan at Madison Square Garden.