Seal Talks Super Bowl LIX Ad and Iconic Collaborations
Seal opens up about his Super Bowl LIX Mountain Dew campaign, reimagining ‘Kiss from a Rose,’ and working with legends like Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.
By Ty Cole
February 7, 2025 / 9:13 AM
Few artists have a voice as instantly recognizable and timeless as Seal. With a career spanning over three decades, the British singer-songwriter has captivated audiences worldwide with his rich, soulful vocals and emotionally charged ballads. Best known for his Grammy Award-winning hit “Kiss from a Rose,” Seal has solidified his place in music history with a catalog that blends R&B, soul, and pop with effortless elegance. His music continues to transcend generations, from platinum-selling albums to collaborations with industry icons, proving that true artistry never fades.
Now, Seal is bringing his legendary vocals to an unexpected yet playful stage—Super Bowl LIX. Teaming up with Mountain Dew, he reimagines his classic “Kiss from a Rose” as Kiss from a Lime in the brand’s vibrant Baja Blast campaign. In a 30-second spot, fans will see Seal as an actual seal serenading Becky G and her crew with a tropical twist, celebrating the bold and refreshing taste of Mountain Dew Baja Blast. The ad encapsulates the fun, adventurous spirit of the brand while introducing Seal’s iconic sound to a new generation in a way no one saw coming.
Seal's Timeless Talent: A Musical Journey of Smoothness
The musician laughs when asked about his resemblance to the aquatic animal in Mountain Dew’s Baja Blast campaign.
“Well, apart from looking alike, we both apparently love Mountain Dew’s Baja Blast.”
Reflecting on his journey, the 61-year-old acknowledges BET's role in his career.
“I came to this country in 1990 after having some success in England, where I was born. My song ‘Killer’ was a pan-European number one hit. But in England, there’s always this feeling that your days are numbered. My producer and mentor, Trevor Horn, told me early on, ‘We have to crack America. If they love you over there, they love you forever.’ BET embraced me as their own, even though I was this quirky artist who didn’t fit into a single category. In an era where radio was compartmentalized, BET helped introduce my music to America, and their commitment to Black excellence has meant a great deal to me.”
A standout moment for him at BET?
“Prince performing in white slacks and a three-quarter-length coat while doing ‘Musicology.’”
Seal’s career has been shaped by challenging collaborations.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with people I idolized. Two of the most challenging were my duet with Frank Sinatra on ‘The Christmas Song,’ where I had to match his phrasing, and a live performance with Maestro Bocelli in Hyde Park. He’s operatically trained, and I’ve always sung behind the beat. It was difficult to anticipate his phrasing while singing with feeling. Most recently, I recorded a duet with Barbra Streisand. Her voice is magical, and I had to ensure I was completely prepared, harmonizing with her pre-recorded performance.”
Discussing the evolution of collaborations, Seal notes, “There are great musicians creating together, but many collaborations today are about relevance rather than serving the song.”
“Music trends are cyclical, and the industry is congested,” he continued.
“Breaking through is harder, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it forces artists to be better, braver, and more confident. I’ve always strived to write songs that move me first. If my music doesn’t make me feel something—joy, despair—then why should anyone else listen?”
Enjoy his Mountain Dew commercial below.
sealR&Bfrank sinatra