John Lewis is on a nationwide quest to find a vocalist to cover the song used in the retailer’s 2024 Christmas advert.
This year’s ad, which follows a young woman who is frantically looking for a festive gift for her sister, is soundtracked to Richard Ashcroft’s acoustic version of The Verve’s 1998 song “Sonnet”.
While the advert has already been released using Ashcroft’s voice, the retailer is looking for a budding singer to record their own version of the song, to be aired on televisions across the nation on Christmas Day.
The competition, which is running until 1 December, is running on TikTok under the hashtag #MySonnet.
Entrants can get involved by recording their cover and uploading it online using the retailer’s special branded filter.
All entrants are advised to get creative – you can use a backing track or sing acapella – you just have to capture the essence of the song and the festive atmosphere of the advert to be in for a chance.
So far, 420 people have entered the competition across the country, from aspiring musicians to groups of work colleagues and families.
The winner will have a recording session with Richard Ashcroft himself, have their vocals featured in the John Lewis Christmas advert aired across screens on Christmas day, and win a free shopping spree in John Lewis.
To be in with the chance to be the next singing star of the advert, upload your cover of “Sonnet” to TikTok by the 1 December with the hashtag #MySonnet. Go to the John Lewis TikTok account for details on how to enter, here.
In the advert, the protagonist Sally winds up in John Lewis on Oxford Street, London, fifteen minutes before closing – but she needs to find a present for her sister.
While searching for a gift she falls through a rack of tulle dresses and is propelled through a large wardrobe into her childhood home, from where she goes on a nostalgic journey through her memories to find the perfect pressie against the clock.
On her trip, she meets younger versions of her sister, who changes age throughout the course of the ad. The two eventually reunite outside of the store, as Ashcroft’s acoustic version of “Sonnet” soundtracks the moment.
The advert has been met with a mixed response, with some viewers saying it was the retailer’s “worst one yet” while others said it moved them to tears.
