Budweiser’s “Wardrobe Malfunction” – Real Ad or Savvy Marketing Stunt?
Budweiser supposedly created an ad for this year’s Super Bowl that depicts how Janet Jackson’s outfit was torn backstage before last year’s halftime show by someone using the rubberized garment to help twist open a bottle of Bud. Yesterday, Budweiser and FOX “agreed” not to air the spot, but today Budweiser released the ad on its website. You too can view the ad here.
Personally, I have my doubts as to whether this ad was ever intended to air during this year’s big game. While it’s a clever idea and certainly humorous (to me, at least), I don’t see how, after last year’s ruckus, Budweiser would have ever imagined this could air. Honestly, I think they’ll get much more mileage out of the story about the ad not running, and the flood of people who will watch it online, then if it ever aired. If I hadn’t already put my whole allowance down on the game itself, I’d wager a hefty sum that this was the intent all along. And if I’m right, that’s some effective marketing right there.
UPDATE: My wife just pointed out to me that the spot is only 15-seconds and to our knowledge, Super Blow spots are only sold as 30-seconds or longer. If correct, that’s another strong indicator that this ad was never meant for TV.
