Posted on 01/26/2018 6:07:24 AM PST by EdnaMode
In commercials starting next week, the country star dons the Colonel's famous white suit and black tie.
The next Colonel Sanders is giving the character a little bit of "country music flair." KFC has picked singer Reba McEntire to play the founder of the fried chicken chain, the first female celebrity in the role.
In commercials starting next week, McEntire dons the Colonel's famous white suit and black tie, but with a twist.
McEntire's outfit has fringe on the back, and a glittery shine, giving the getup "a little bit of the country music flair," she told the Associated Press in an interview. McEntire sings onstage as the Colonel, with a white wig and white facial hair.
"I thought the transformation was really funny," said the singer, who will appear in the ads until the end of April. "I got a big kick out of it."
A rotating cast of famous names have portrayed the Colonel since 2015, but McEntire is the first famous female to do it, and the first musician. She may also be the first woman in KFC's nearly 90-year-history to depict the Colonel. The company said the "best historical minds at KFC" could not remember a woman having stepped into the role.
McEntire was approached about doing so in December. "I said, 'Holy smokes!,'" she told the Associated Press. "KFC has been a part of my life forever."
KFC said it picked McEntire because of her Southern roots, and to help promote its new Smoky Mountain BBQ, which combines fried chicken with a taste of barbeque. McEntire said she has eaten at KFC all her life, since her days growing up in Oklahoma.
She sings in the ad, in a tongue-in-cheek approach: "I'm Colonel Sanders, the same as always," McEntire croons. "I'm definitely not a woman." McEntire also appears as herself in the commercial, as an audience member.
Col. Harland Sanders, who died in 1980, first started selling fried chicken from a single restaurant in 1930. KFC, now owned by Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum Brands Inc., resurrected the Colonel for its ads in 2015 after a nearly 20-year absence, hiring Rob Lowe, Ray Liotta and other famous men for the role.
The ad was overseen by KFC's new chief marketing officer, Andrea Zahumensky, who is trying to continue a turnaround of the brand. "I think this is going to be our most-loved Colonel yet," she said.
Ted Nugent for the Colonel! He already rocks the goatee.
I’d eat Shredded Cardboard if Reba spoon fed it too me....
Well, she’s of a certain age to be growing a mustache so at least there’s that for realism.
I believe Walken did a fine job as Colonel Angus. His trips down south were always well received by the ladies.
Hahaha!
No, No. I've lived about half my life below the Mason-Dixon line, and I've witnessed many Southern gentlemen with "good" tans. Their not "frightful;" nor "creepy." Some are distinguished, even. I've been here on FR about 20 years, this is something light, to enjoy.
Besides, seeing George Hamilton in "birth control" eyeglasses is fun in of itself!
sure, he can shoot his own chicken.
Get a grip, folks. I’d guess the angle is humor rather than pleasing the LBGTXYZ crowd. And sure, if you dine at KFC everyday it would probably take ten years off your life. At least. But at the right time and place it’s a great, decadent treat. I go maybe twice a year and the last few years I find the service and food to be excellent.
At some point Obama in white face will play the Col.
Chick Fil A and even Popeye’s are simply destroying KFC. No amount of gimmicks or bringing back the Colonel is going to change this.
Well...I meant the commercial iself.....couldn find a pic....where he appears buried in the sand?
Yes, Popeye’s...
It’s a pity. Colonel Sanders was a great man. Self made millionaire, and that only after years of struggling to become a success. He’s a role model. You wouldn’t see McDonalds mocking Ray Kroc and you wouldn’t see Wendy’s mocking Dave Thomas. Such a shame
I will go to Chick-Fil-A to celebrate.
George Hamilton wasn’t tanned. He was “extra crispy”. :-)
Great idea. :D
is that in asia somewhere? It’s funny!
Make a better product for less.
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