Which musician recorded the original pop version used in McDonald's “I'm lovin' it” campaign?

Justin Timberlake recorded the original pop version used in McDonald's “I'm lovin' it” campaign.

Timberlake's recording formed part of the campaign launched in 2003. The song and advertising music helped McDonald's move beyond a conventional spoken slogan by giving the brand an audio identity that could be recognized across television and other media.

The campaign's creative development involved the German agency Heye & Partner and music connected with the production team behind the “ba da ba ba ba” hook. Timberlake's involvement is one reason the campaign is sometimes described as a conventional pop single rather than simply advertising music.

The performer is often confused with the songwriters, producers, or later artists associated with the campaign. Timberlake was the vocalist on the original pop recording, while the broader branding effort involved multiple agencies and contributors.