Which singer appeared in McDonald’s first “I’m lovin’ it” television commercial?

Justin Timberlake appeared in McDonald’s first “I’m lovin’ it” television commercial.

McDonald’s launched the campaign in 2003, and Timberlake was featured in the initial advertising connected with the new slogan. He also recorded a song associated with the campaign, helping the brand link its advertising to contemporary pop music.

The campaign’s most enduring element was not a celebrity but the short musical hook “ba da ba ba ba.” McDonald’s used that sound with the slogan in markets around the world, making the campaign easier to recognize across languages.

Timberlake’s role is sometimes overstated: he was a featured performer in the launch campaign, not the sole creator of the global brand identity. McDonald’s advertising used many artists and agencies over the company’s history.