Justin Timberlake recorded the vocal version of McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” jingle used during the 2003 campaign.
The campaign’s musical hook became one of McDonald’s most recognizable branding elements. Timberlake’s recording helped turn the short phrase into a standalone pop-oriented piece associated with the company’s advertising.
Pharrell Williams was also involved in the campaign’s music, which is why he is frequently named in discussions of the jingle. However, Timberlake is the singer associated with the vocal recording released for the campaign.
The branding phrase and the recording should not be treated as identical things. McDonald’s used the phrase in many advertisements, while particular versions of the music involved different contributors and arrangements.