The 2024 Christmas advert from John Lewis has landed on our screens, transporting viewers on an emotional and magical journey to find the perfect gift for the holiday season.
The Ivor Novello Award-Winning Richard Ashcroft provides the music backdrop with the powerful and
poignant song Sonnet from his Acoustic Hymns Vol.1 Album, released on RPA/BMG. The two-minute TV advert, celebrates the search for the perfect gift through the wisdom of its customers and the breadth of offering in its stores – ending with the strapline: “The secret to finding the perfect gift? Knowing where to look”.
John Lewis is renowned for its Christmas adverts featuring cover songs. But this year, the retailer is offering aspiring musicians (and indeed anyone who wants to have a go) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next John Lewis cover star.
Partnering with BMG and Richard Ashcroft himself, they will launch a nationwide talent search on November 15 on TikTok via a branded effect on the John Lewis page, using the hashtag #MySonnet. The lucky winner will record their own version of Sonnet, to be featured in a special Christmas Day airing of the advert on TV, with the track officially released by BMG.
Chosen by Richard Ashcroft and a panel of independent judges, the winner receives a remarkable prize package: a professional recording session with a top producer, their cover single released by BMG (with proceeds donated to the Building Happier Futures charity), a £3,000 John Lewis shopping spree, and tickets to a Richard Ashcroft headline show in 2025.
Richard Ashcroft added: “To everyone involved in the project I raise a sherry and say salut! Sonnet plays again, time for some mince pies. Merry Christmas peace and love to all mankind.”
To be in with a chance to be the next John Lewis star, from 15th November people simply need to enter via the branded effect on the John Lewis TikTok page and upload their cover of “Sonnet” to TikTok with hashtag #MySonnet. Go to the John Lewis TikTok account for details on how to enter.
