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Jussie Smollett is new face of Pepsi

Empire star is new spokesperson for soda brand

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(Screenshot courtesy of Pepsi)

(Screenshot courtesy of Pepsi)

Jussie Smollett is the new spokesperson for Pepsi with the commercial airing for the first time on Wednesday.

The “Empire” star dances along with fellow passengers on the New York City subway before cracking open a Pepsi. Smollett and his character Jamal Lyon share more than the same face. Lyon is also the Pepsi spokesperson in his “Empire” universe.

The song “Ready To Go” was produced by hitmaker Swizz Beatz. However, on “Empire” the same song is also used although for Lyon, his song was produced by his mother and father Lucious and Cookie Lyon.

In the mid-season finale of “Empire”, Lyon’s and Smollett’s Pepsi commercial premiered for the television world and real world respectively. One of Lyon’s storylines this season dealt with him competing to become the new Pepsi spokesperson. Lee Daniels, who created “Empire”, directs the commercial.

Other celebrities to endorse Pepsi include Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin.

“Empire” returns this March.

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PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.

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A scene from the 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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PHOTOS: Walk and 5K to End HIV

Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

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A scene from the 2026 Walk and 5K to End HIV on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals

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Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee at the Wanda Alston Foundation 2026 Fall Reception. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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