Bye Bye 2024 once again attracted a large number of Quebecers as approximately 3,013,000 viewers tuned into the airwaves of -; in 2023, there were more than 3,316,000 watching the most anticipated show of the year. ‘year.
Despite this drop in ratings of around 10%, we must admit that we had a solid Bye Bye this year even if many critics mention, as every year, that it was the worst Bye Bye in a long time, that ‘Infoman was much better, so on…
If some say that the ads were better than Bye Bye as such, we shouldn’t overdo it, but we must still admit that the ads for Mondou and l’Érable du Québec were really very solid!
In case you missed it, here’s the Mondou ad:
Now here is this one from Quebec Maple:
However, there is one advertisement which attracts a lot of attention after the broadcast of the popular show and it really does not come across in the eyes of certain viewers and it is the Coca-Cola advertisement which pays tribute to Jean-Pierre Ferland and his song “Le petit roi”.
For the occasion, around ten artists from various generations for a unique and touching cover of one of its greatest classics. Names such as Claude Dubois, Marjo, Pierre Lapointe, Klô Pelgag, Les Louanges, Sarahmée, Lou-Adriane Cassidy, Rose Perron and Émile Bourgault met in a studio to record an interpretation of Jean-Pierre Ferland’s classic, an interpretation produced and arranged by Louis-Jean Cormier.
If the interpretation is truly successful and the artists have done an exemplary job, it is Coca-Cola’s intention which is strongly criticized by several Internet users in Quebec. First of all, on the Reddit platform, an Internet user did not hesitate to express his way of thinking:
“I was so uncomfortable with the advertising. In my opinion it was in bad taste.
For starters, it was his signature song, the most defining song of his career. The fact that it is used to sell Coca Cola disgusts me. In my opinion, there is an ethical limit to what capitalism should have the right to touch with its sticky fingers and the work of a Quebec legend who died this year is one of them.
You will say to me “but actually, it was a tribute!” To which I would respond: what homage? We completely evacuated the meaning and the man of the song, there was not even a photo of Jean Pierre Ferland, no link between the artist and his song in this ad.
Finally, I find it opportunistic that Coca Cola plays on our collective emotions and on the mourning of an artist who left his mark on Quebec heritage to sell us a product. He’s been dead for 9 months, give me a break. Furthermore, his departure was swept under the rug. As far as I know he had no official tribute or any special recognition.
And now what? We collect the fruit of a life and put it in the big sausage machine to sell sell sell and reap profits. I’ve lost a lot of respect for the artists who participated in the ad and wonder if Mr. Ferland would have agreed with his estate’s decision to allow the song to be used for that. »
Still on Reddit, another user is shocked by the situation:
“I must admit that the one that shocked me the most was “Le Petit Roi”, which I found super beautiful… SPONSORED BY COCA COLA?!???! »
On Facebook, the most popular social network among Quebecers, the situation is also criticized:
« Bye Bye 2024
Enjoyed my evening. But a little discomfort: one of the most beautiful moments of the evening was paid for by Coca-Cola for the tribute to Jean-Pierre Ferland. »
An Internet user also denounces the ad on Facebook:
“Oh the disappointment… This advertisement which begins so well, with this touching and unifying song, the little king by Jean-Pierre Ferland.
Advertising whose second half is crumbling. Without nuance or delicacy, we impose a game so banal, so predictable, so commercial…
From homage to shame…
Who had the last word? The Coca Cola team, too American?
Did the Quebec team feel obliged to finish like that PCQ, as Elvis Gratton said, “the Americans, they have it”?
In any case, if the beginning exudes connectivity and Quebec warmth, the end is deprived of it. »
See the Coca-Cola ad here in case you haven’t seen it:
Do you find there is cause for indignation?
