Dubai, UAE 09 May 2006 - The worlds of football and music come together in a celebration of "the beautiful game" as Christina Aguilera & Elissa unveil the latest football anthem in Pepsi's latest commercial "Anthem", airing on all major satellite TV channels.  

The commercial opens in a crowded football stadium waiting for the start of a big game; two figures are walking out onto the grass towards the centre circle.  As the figures approach the microphones, the crowd rises to its feet for the start of the National Anthem, but not only do the jumbotrons reveal the singers to be Christina Aguilera and Elissa, but this is no ordinary anthem!

As Christina and Elissa start to sing, the crowd initially stands in bewilderment but quickly begins to join in. Christina and Elissa's infectious football anthem is a unique take on the 1982 German smash hit song, 'Da Da Da', and as we move around the crowd we see that the famous football players Roberto Carlos, David Beckham and Thierry Henry have also turned up to watch the big game in the stands, and each are enjoying the spin on this great anthem.  

To rework the song "Da Da Da", the original version of which features in Pepsi's 2006 "Pepsi Fest" football commercial, Christina turned to super-producer Linda Perry who worked with her on the hit single "Beautiful" from Christina's multi-million selling album "Stripped".  Commenting on the track Christina said; "I think that the song "Da Da Da" and the way that Linda and I collaborated on it together gives the listener something that's really feel-good, and especially for a crowd and an audience that's there to enjoy themselves, and enjoy the game, and to kick back. And it's easy to sing along with and to chant with!"

Elissa added a special Arabic touch to the anthem with her individual take on the chorus.

Ron Coughlin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo International added, "Music has always played a big part of football and each week stadiums around the world reverberate with different sounds and songs. Only Pepsi could bring these worlds of football and music together in such a unique way - with a Pepsi football anthem"

Pepsi has a strong heritage with football and music, bringing unique entertainment experiences and excitement to consumers in more than 170 countries.  Last year saw Pepsi bring together international music stars Jennifer Lopez, Beyonc Knowles and Amr Diab in the massive "Samurai". With "Anthem", Pepsi again displays its commitment to bringing to life its "Dare for More" philosophy each year in new and ground breaking ways.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:
"Anthem" was directed by Tarsem Singh. His past credits include 'The Cell' starring Jennifer Lopez, the renowned REM 'Losing my religion' video as well as previous Pepsi music and football commercials; 2006 Pepsifest, 2005 Pepsi Surf, 2005 Samurai, 2004 Footbattle, 2004 Gladiator, 2002 Sumo and the OK Corral Western of 2003.

For further information, please contact:
Nada Lotfy
Tel: 9714-3344930
Fax: 9714-3344923
Email: nada.lotfy@hillandknowlton.com

Deema Termanini
Tel: 9714-3344930
Fax: 9714-3344923
Email: deema.termanini@hillandknowlton.com 

© Press Release 2006