Pepsi And FOX Make Music Again For The Spring Return Of "EMPIRE" Season Three

This time, Pepsi is rewarding fans by giving them more of what they crave: addictive EMPIRE stories and stunning music content, all consumable exclusively via Pepsi and EMPIRE platforms. For the first time, Pepsi will introduce three fan-first digital and social extensions which will serve as complementary builds to an on-screen narrative to leave viewers intrigued and excited for future episodes. These extensions include: a nine-episode "EMERGE" social series; the launch of six limited-edition EMPIRE mini-cans showcasing custom artwork created by artist Jon Moody via which fans can use Shazam to unlock behind-the-scenes content; and a first-ever EMPIRE musical tribute entitled When Cookie Met Lucious, feat. Jamal (more information below).

Continuing to blend fiction and reality, the multi-platform partnership also includes a cameo appearance on EMPIRE by rising pop songstress Tinashe, who was just announced as Pepsi's newest Sound Drop artist today. Tinashe is seen working alongside the character Jamal while he develops his musical tribute, a storyline that sparks on EMPIRE and comes to life via social series EMERGE, which also features fellow Sound Drop artist Jidenna and EMPIRE fan-favorites Gabourey Sibide (as A&R executive Becky Williams) and Ta'Rhonda Jones (as Porsha).

"Our continued partnership with the biggest show on television signifies both Pepsi and EMPIRE coming together for another round of creative storytelling," states Stacy Taffet, Marketing Sr. Director, Pepsi. "It's giving fans access to the best of both worlds by combining fresh talent and music from our Sound Drop platform and fan-first experiences to really bring the story to life off the screen."

"FOX is thrilled to partner once again with Pepsi in follow-up to last season's groundbreaking EMPIRE collaboration that took branded partnerships to a whole new level," said Bruce Lefkowitz, Executive Vice President of Ad Sales, Fox Networks Group. "As this robust, new multi-platform initiative with Pepsi shows, advertisers can play big with FOX. We bring innovative ideas and real solutions to our partners that create a better, more immersive experience for our viewers – and that deliver real engagement on every platform imaginable."

"EMERGE" Social Series
Pepsi and FOX will launch the "day in the life" online social series, "EMERGE," which will debut on EMPIRE's Facebook and Instagram the day of the series' spring return followed by weekly installments. EMERGE will continue the story of longtime EMPIRE characters, A&R executive Becky Williams (Gabourey Sibide) and Porsha (Ta'Rhonda Jones), as they search for the most promising artist to be featured on Jamal's upcoming musical tribute. "The Sound Drop" from Pepsi will be introduced into the storyline with Sound Drop artists Tinashe and Jidenna, who will play themselves, as a testament to life truly imitating art.

Mini-Cans
In celebration of this year's storyline, Pepsi will be releasing limited-edition EMPIRE 7.5 oz. mini-cans which will display unique artwork inspired by the show's themes by EMPIRE artist Jon Moody. The six limited-edition collectable cans will be available in April. Using Shazam, fans can use their phones to scan the cans' artwork to unlock exclusive behind-the-scenes footage captured from the set of the musical tribute shoot.

EMPIRE Musical Tribute
Pepsi will close the season three storyline with Jamal's first-ever musical tribute which will launch in May. The visual representation of the musical tribute, entitled When Cookie Met Lucious, feat. Jamal, will launch at the season's end in conjunction with its on-screen unveil. Fans will be directed to Shazam during a May episode, allowing them to stream the entire musical tribute via their mobile device. The visual and musical tribute will also feature Jon Moody's mini-can artwork and songs by character Jamal Lyon, heard throughout season two and three.

Stay tuned for more news from Pepsi and join the EMPIRE conversation at www.fox.com/empire or follow Pepsi on Facebook or add Pepsi on Instagram or Twitter. Tune into the spring return of season three on FOX on Wednesday, March 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

About PepsiCo:
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world is what enables PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

About EMPIRE:
From Imagine Television in association with 20^th Century Fox Television, EMPIRE was created by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and Emmy Award winner Danny Strong, and is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, Ilene Chaiken, Francie Calfo and Sanaa Hamri. "Like" EMPIRE on Facebook at facebook.com/EmpireFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @EmpireFOX and join the discussion using #Empire. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @EmpireFOX.

SOURCE PepsiCo

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