Unveiling the Iconic Voice Behind Red Lobster’s 2023 Holiday Commercial

If ever there was a true mantra in Hip-Hop, its that Public Enemys Flavor Flav is everywhere. Flav bought the whole Red Lobster menu last week to “save the cheddar bay biscuits,” and now he’s the voice of the restaurant’s new crabfest campaign.

Flav told Rock The Bells last week in an exclusive interview, “Red Lobster has been a favorite place for my family to go since 1987.” ” he continued,”we gotta save those cheddar biscuits. Theyre tryin to close their doors, but I aint tryin to letem!”.

In addition to voicing the new crabfest commercial, Flav has bought the entire menu, yet again. In the beginning of the commercial, Flavor Flav says, “When the internet said Red Lobster was going away, Flavor Flav said, not today.” “They got two flavors just like me, the comeback youll be coming back for. “.

What’s new with Flavor Flav? His Flavor of the Week show started on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio on Monday, June 10. A music and interview show with Flav will air every week on Rock The Bells Radio channel 43 from the SiriusXM studio at Wynn Las Vegas. The first episode featured Flav spotlighting some of his favorite Hip-Hop Summer anthems. Flavor Of The Week airs every Monday at 10p ET.

The second the upbeat, soulful lyrics begin, you instantly recognize that distinctive, gravelly voice crooning about cheddar biscuits and lobster tails But who is the vocal talent bringing a gospel flair to Red Lobster’s 2023 holiday commercial? Let’s pull back the curtain on the singer spreading some yuletide cheer this season

Meet Shirley Caesar, First Lady of Gospel

The vocalist putting a festive spin on her viral “You Name It” meme for Red Lobster is none other than the legendary Shirley Caesar Nicknamed the “First Lady of Gospel,” Shirley Caesar is a Grammy-winning gospel music icon with an illustrious 50+ year career.

Born in Durham, North Carolina in 1938, Shirley Caesar began singing at just 12 years old. She went on to record over 40 albums and earn 14 Grammy Awards, becoming one of the most renowned figures in gospel history. Now 85 years young, the energetic minister shows no signs of slowing down.

Viral Meme Provides Inspiration

Shirley Caesar’s connection to Red Lobster originated from a viral meme of her preach-singing an improvised song with the lyrics “You name it, I’ve got it: beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes.” The meme took on a life of its own online back in 2016.

This comedic internet sensation gave Red Lobster the inspiration for their own twist on the meme. In the 2023 commercial, Shirley Caesar soulfully rhymes menu items like “cheddar bay biscuits” and “lobster tails” in her signature passionate style.

Recording the Holiday Ad

According to Shirley Caesar herself, she recorded the adapted version of her viral meme in Fall 2022 specifically for Red Lobster’s holiday commercial.

In an interview, the lively singer said she was “so excited” to partner with Red Lobster and give her viral hit a seafood-themed makeover. Though she does not actually appear on camera in the ad, her iconic voice is unmistakable.

Positive Response from Fans

Since debuting November 2022, the Red Lobster holiday ad with Shirley Caesar has received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response. Fans of the “beans, greens” meme have relished hearing an updated take starring the meme’s originator.

Many have praised Red Lobster for featuring Shirley Caesar’s singing talents in such a unique, humorous way. Social media is abuzz with appreciation for this fun collab. Caesar herself has been recognized by fans while dining at Red Lobster restaurants since the ad launched.

Queen of Holiday Marketing

This isn’t Shirley Caesar’s first foray into branded holiday entertainment. In 2016, she went viral for a holiday-themed remix of “#UNameItChallenge.”

The song was featured in a Christmas lights display by Houston resident Frankie To-ong, who choreographed his decorations to Caesar’s catchy tune. This helped spark the viral meme craze and endeared Caesar to holiday fans.

Why Red Lobster Chose Shirley Caesar

It’s clear why Red Lobster felt Shirley Caesar was the perfect partner for their 2023 holiday commercial. As the originator of the viral meme, she brings authenticity by singing her own lyrics.

Her gospel music background lends itself well to riffing on menu items with enthusiasm and soul. And Shirley Caesar’s status as a North Carolina legend ties in nicely with Red Lobster’s origins in Florida. It was a natural fit all around!

Boosting Food Options

In the commercial, Shirley Caesar puts her unique spin on classic menu fare like biscuits and lobster, while highlighting Red Lobster’s holiday offerings like new Cheddar Bay stuffing.

The ad aims to “take holiday dining up a notch” by showcasing these seasonal selections. Red Lobster is betting Caesar’s catchy carol will translate to hungry holiday diners.

Performance Artistry on Display

One reason Shirley Caesar’s “You Name It” meme exploded online was her masterful vocal delivery. She takes a rather mundane list of foods and elevates it to high art with her passionate, improvisational performance.

The Red Lobster ad allows her to work her magic again, enlivening everyday menu items via her gospel-infused singing and quick wit. It’s a testament to her vocal talents.

Feel-Good Holiday Vibes

The commercial evokes warm feelings of the holidays, family and feasting. For many, Shirley Caesar’s song transports them to memories of home-cooked family dinners.

Pairing her singing with delicious food helps create a comforting, feel-good holiday ad. It’s just the right sentimental touch for the season.

In on the Joke

Part of the appeal of Red Lobster’s commercial is that Shirley Caesar is completely in on the joke. She knows her meme is a cultural phenomenon and leans into the humor and hype.

By getting the viral queen herself to recreate her magic, Red Lobster scored big on capitalizing on the zeitgeist. And Caesar’s great attitude shines through.

Boosting Brand Recognition

Campaigns incorporating memes or viral content can increase brand awareness, especially among younger demographics. Red Lobster generated buzz by tapping into Shirley Caesar’s trendy status.

The familiarity of her meme gets people talking about and engaging with the ad. The familiarity of her meme gets people talking about and engaging with the ad. It gives Red Lobster a viral boost.

Gospel Meets Seafood

There’s something undeniably amusing about hearing inspirational gospel vocals applied to chatting up chain restaurant specials. The disconnect is part of the humor.

But Shirley Caesar’s earnest delivery helps marry these two unlikely genres. Only someone of her caliber could pull it off so brilliantly.

Feel-Good Viral Hit

At their best, viral internet phenoms capture the culture’s imagination and bring joy. Shirley Caesar’s original “U Name It” tune did just that with its infectious zeal and humor.

The Red Lobster spinoff succeeds in a similar feel-good fashion. It will likely emerge as another viral holiday hit thanks to Caesar’s charisma.

Pop Culture Icon

Shirley Caesar has proven she has major pop culture clout for someone predominantly known in gospel circles. From memes to SNL skits, she has crossed over to the mainstream.

Red Lobster has scored big by locking down Caesar and her cultural cachet. She attracts eyeballs from demographics not normally drawn to church hymns.

Ode to North Carolina

There’s a touch of local flair by featuring North Carolina native Shirley Caesar in Red Lobster’s ad campaign. Red Lobster was founded in Florida but has roots throughout the Southeast.

Playing up this Southern angle via Caesar is a smart regional marketing play. Her Tar Heel State roots shine through.

Christmas Spirit Personified

Close your eyes and listen, and you can practically envision Shirley Caesar herself belting out this tune while dishing up holiday meals. Her exuberance leaps through the screen.

She embodies the warmth, spirit and indulgence we love about the holiday season. It’s irresistibly charming.

Promoting Unbridled Joy

In both her original viral clip and this Red Lobster redo, Shirley Caesar displays passion that is downright infectious. When she sings, you feel her overflowing joy.

The commercial translates that unrestrained happiness into selling sinfully good food. It’s a joy overload!

Creating Lasting Memories

Shirley Caesar and her memorable meme have already secured a spot in the pop culture pantheon. Her renewed take on it for Red Lobster is poised to also become a holiday tradition.

The ad has the makings of a classic, destined to enjoy repeat play for holiday seasons to come. It’s incredibly catchy!

Part of Caesar’s Legacy

As she reflects on her long career, Shirley Caesar can now count herself as a viral video icon as well. What started as an offhand sermon riff took on a mind of its own online.

The Red Lobster ad engraves her meme supremacy. becoming part of Caesar’s lasting legacy across genres. Not bad for the little girl from North Carolina!

A Pitch Perfect Partnership

Both Shirley Caesar and Red Lobster benefit tremendously from this timely team-up. Caesar gets to refresh her meme magic. Red Lobster drafts off her cool factor and creativity.

The ad celebrates Caesar’s status as the eternal Queen of Meme while giving Red Lobster a viral hit. Talk about a perfect pop culture marriage!

Holiday Joy,personified

When you need a dose of holiday cheer this season, look no further than the Red Lobster commercial featuring Shirley Caesar. Her jolly performance is guaranteed to make you smile.

Shirley Caesar is the epitome of Christmas joy. So for a taste of yuletide happiness, check out the ad and try singing along. We have a hunch this tune will be stuck in your head all season long!

who sings the red lobster commercial 2023

Red Lobster 2023 Holiday Commercial w/ Shirley Caesar

Does Red Lobster have a new ‘you name it’ commercial?

*The Holiday season is basically now in effect. And to remind folks that when they’re hungry, Red Lobster has hooked up with none other than gospel great, Pastor Shirley Caesar to sing their praises, so to speak, regarding their new crave-able offerings. It’s all via a new commercial sung to the tune of her classic hit, “ You Name It .”

Does Red Lobster have a Holiday remix?

“To take holiday dining up a notch, Red Lobster partnered with iconic gospel singer Pastor Shirley Caesar, to reimagine the original lyrics for her internet-popular song creating Red Lobster’s own holiday remix calling out all the delicious details like new Cheddar Bay Stuffing available for dine-in or as part of Holiday Sides To Go.”

Does Red Lobster have a Shirley Caesar voiceover?

Shirley Caesar is phenomenal ! Comments are closed. Red Lobster teamed up with Shirley Caesar, featuring her voiceover in a new TV spot highlightling available limited-time offerings.

Does Red Lobster have a song based on a meme?

Now her voice is heard over the air across the nation several times a day, as part of a Red Lobster commercial that’s a takeoff of the meme with similar lyrics that boost the restaurant’s latest menu options, as the company said in a statement emailed to ABC11:

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