• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, September 14, 2023

It's hard to believe it's been two days since I wrote about Madonna, but she's back in TV advertising news thanks to Pepsi's decision to finally re-release the controversial "Like a Prayer" commercial she did for the cola brand 34 years ago.

The spot was quickly pulled back then, because of the backlash Pepsi got from religious groups saying it was sacrilegious. (Hey, her name is Madonna, and have you seen her act?)

Anyway, boy have both Madonna and the spot aged well (see above and at bottom).

It's not clear from Pepsi exactly why it re-released it now, but it has something to do with the brand celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, and at the very least it got a nice shoutout from Madonna on social media.

Anyway, this got me thinking about both the indelible power of attention-getting TV advertising, as well as the connection to nostalgia, and I'm thinking of another brand that should re-release a commercial -- also featuring a striking blonde -- that only ever aired once.

I mean, it will be its 40th anniversary, and just in time for a Super Bowl buy next February.