Following important news stories on sexual assault and equal pay for women, KFC unveiled country singer Reba McEntire as the new Colonel Sanders. The new brand ambassador puts a country music spin on the beloved figure in a new commercial advertising Smoky Mountain BBQ chicken that takes place in a rowdy honky tonk.
Although some may be upset about this choice of who to play the Colonel, country music fans were delighted to see Reba as the first ever female Colonel Sanders. KFC commercials will feature a singing Colonel and swap back and forth between showing Reba as the Colonel and as herself.
The Colonel Sanders campaign was relaunched in 2015 and previously only featured male actors.
Gender Barrier-Breaking Colonels
Reba McEntire is the First Female to Play KFC's Colonel Sanders
Trend Themes
1. Gender-neutral Brand Ambassadors - As consumers prioritize representation and inclusivity, brands can break gender barriers and appeal to new audiences by selecting gender-neutral spokespeople.
2. Celebrity Endorsements in Unlikely Industries - Brands can create buzz and garner media attention by selecting celebrity ambassadors from unexpected industries to represent their products or services.
3. Nostalgia Marketing with a Twist - Tapping into consumer nostalgia while also promoting diversity and inclusivity can create unique marketing campaigns that break through the clutter and generate buzz.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - Fast food chains can break gender barriers by selecting gender-neutral brand ambassadors for their marketing campaigns.
2. Music Industry - By selecting celebrities from different industries to represent their products, music streaming services can capture attention from new audiences.
3. Entertainment Industry - Entertainment companies can create unique marketing campaigns by tapping into consumer nostalgia while also promoting diversity and inclusivity.