Budweiser's latest Super Bowl ad, "American Icons," is an unlikely mashup of patriotism and nostalgic Americana, featuring an unlikely friendship between a bald eagle and a Clydesdale horse – the iconic Budweiser brand. The 60-second spot, which includes Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird at its climax, paints a picture of an idyllic America that seems more like a relic from a bygone era than a reflection of today's society.
The ad's focus on a universally beloved phenomenon – unlikely animal friendships – comes after Bud Light faced a right-wing boycott in 2023 over a trans spokesperson. The backlash led to plummeting sales, with the brand losing market share to its rival Modelo. In response, Budweiser returned to an aggressively American marketing strategy, releasing ads featuring Clydesdales and horses.
The latest ad takes this equine theme to new heights, with the bird growing from a helpless foal to a majestic bald eagle, finally taking flight as Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird reaches its climax. The slow-motion image of Pegasus is accompanied by the words "Made of America," prompting viewers to question whether it's meant to be taken literally or as satire.
Budweiser hopes this ad will elicit a similar emotional response from viewers, who responded positively to animal-themed ads in the past. However, critics argue that the ad perpetuates a nostalgic vision of America that feels surreal and disconnected from the present-day reality.
The company's strategy seems to be a clever marketing ploy: appealing to America's hardcore fans while also allowing those dismayed at the state of the country to take it as satire. In this way, Budweiser can have its cake – and beer – while maintaining an ambiguous stance on the issues that divide the nation.
Ultimately, whether "American Icons" is seen as a clever marketing move or a genuine attempt at patriotism remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in today's America, where divisions run deep, it's hard to distinguish between authentic sentiment and carefully crafted advertising.
The ad's focus on a universally beloved phenomenon – unlikely animal friendships – comes after Bud Light faced a right-wing boycott in 2023 over a trans spokesperson. The backlash led to plummeting sales, with the brand losing market share to its rival Modelo. In response, Budweiser returned to an aggressively American marketing strategy, releasing ads featuring Clydesdales and horses.
The latest ad takes this equine theme to new heights, with the bird growing from a helpless foal to a majestic bald eagle, finally taking flight as Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird reaches its climax. The slow-motion image of Pegasus is accompanied by the words "Made of America," prompting viewers to question whether it's meant to be taken literally or as satire.
Budweiser hopes this ad will elicit a similar emotional response from viewers, who responded positively to animal-themed ads in the past. However, critics argue that the ad perpetuates a nostalgic vision of America that feels surreal and disconnected from the present-day reality.
The company's strategy seems to be a clever marketing ploy: appealing to America's hardcore fans while also allowing those dismayed at the state of the country to take it as satire. In this way, Budweiser can have its cake – and beer – while maintaining an ambiguous stance on the issues that divide the nation.
Ultimately, whether "American Icons" is seen as a clever marketing move or a genuine attempt at patriotism remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in today's America, where divisions run deep, it's hard to distinguish between authentic sentiment and carefully crafted advertising.
. On one hand, who doesn't want to see a bald eagle and a Clydesdale horse BFF-ing? It's like the ultimate symbol of American nostalgia – it's just so... iconic 
. But on another hand, I'm not sure if this ad is trying to be serious or just poking fun at our country's obsession with patriotism 
. The way they're touting "Made of America" and all that jazz feels a bit forced, you know? And what about the fact that we're still dealing with some pretty deep divisions in this country? Can't an ad just acknowledge that for once? 
I guess it's probably just a marketing ploy, but I kinda hope they're onto something here – maybe we can use some humor and heart to bring people together instead of driving them further apart 
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. I mean, who doesn't love a good horse ad, am I right? 
And Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird is like the ultimate American anthem - it's a no-brainer to use that in an ad.
. If you can tap into that sense of patriotism and shared values without being too on-the-nose, it's basically free marketing gold 
. And if people are feeling too sensitive about the ad, they can just tune out or take it as satire - problem solved 
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. i love how its got that nostalgic vibe going on, its like a warm hug from mom 
. i mean who doesn't wanna believe in an idyllic america 
? and can we talk about that music tho? lynyrd skynyrd's free bird is like the ultimate anthem 
.
... it's like they're trying to make us feel all warm fuzzy inside while also conveniently ignoring the, you know, actual issues facing america today 
. i mean, who needs realistic representation when you can have a bald eagle and a Clydesdale horse being BFFs? 
I mean, the Clydesdales thing feels like a nostalgic attempt to cling to a bygone era of America, rather than acknowledging the complexities of our modern society.
. Either way, I'm kinda excited to see what happens next! 
, I'm kinda loving this ad! The friendship between the bald eagle and Clydesdale horse is literally so adorable 
. I think it's genius that they're using satire to kinda poke fun at the idea of America being this perfect, idyllic place when really it's more complex than that 
? And don't even get me started on the commentary around it being either a genuine patriotism statement or just marketing trickery 
... It's all just a bit too much, ya know? Still, I gotta admit, that horse and bird combo is pretty darn cute