People look up to celebrities. Some people worship the ground they walk on, stalk every move they make, and even turn on TMZ.com to find out the latest gossip. It is an American habit. Some people might not like this celebrity-obsessed habit, but it occurs in most of us. This is why I wonder if celebrity endorsed products really do make a difference.
When I turn on the television and see Brad Pitt chugging a Heineken it rather makes me want one. I hate beer, but hey, it is Brad Pitt. If Brad likes it, why wouldn’t I.
Celebrity endorsed products make me happy. I am one of the many celebrity-obsessed fans out there. I will buy a product because a certain celeb says to do so.
One of the most expensive commercials ever made included Nicole Kidman. This “mini-movie” cost Chanel a reportedly $12 million. It is nearly three minutes, but it shows Oscar worthy material. I fell in love with the idea it gave, it made me believe in love.
Athletes are beginning to endorse products NOT for sports. David Beckham has one of the most talked about ads in England right now. He is only in his underwear. His Armani ads continue through summer 2008. Victoria Beckham thinks its nice people can look at his package. "He's gorgeous, hot and sexy. Every man wants to look like that, and every woman wants to sleep with that,” Matthew Edelstein, fashion editor of Details magazine, says. Beckham will soon be the face of Sharpie Pens...now what does that have to do with soccer? Well the answer is nothing, but it will sure make the girls swoon—and maybe Sharpie can provide pens at soccer games for those adoring fans wanting autographs.
Tom Brady is rumored to be the next Calvin Klein model as well. This will ad to his Stetson cologne endorsement. Everyone’s favorite golf pro earns millions every year. Tiger Woods is the face of Gatorade, Nike, Buick, Gillette and many more. He reportedly earns $105 million just from Nike alone. Now does he honestly drive a Buick?
Besides people staring at half-naked celebs in underwear, some ads can make a difference. Apparently celebrity endorsed products can help people stay healthy! Fox News reported in 2005 normal people are more likely to get a cancer screening done when endorsed by a celebrity.
Noreen Jenney of celebrityendorsement.com, wrote an article about celebrity advertising, and how it can be effective. She says the right person must be someone who people can relate to, who they can trust and believe. I wouldn’t want Marilyn Manson to promote Covergirl products even though he wears a large amount of makeup.
I do slightly feel bad for celebrities. With the paparazzi following everyday, it is quite easy to make a simple mistake. Britney Spears reportedly had a Coke in her hand, while supporting Pepsi Co. Kate Moss lost her Gucci promotion because of a picture with her and cocaine (this is a just reason, but a normal model or person would not even get a picture like that leaked). Pepsi Co. also stopped Madonna’s contract after her video for Like A Prayer aired.
