Empire is all about the drama and the music, but it's also about the growth and elevation of the artists on the show and in real life.
Jussie Smollett is no stranger to the spotlight, but after taking on the role of Jamal on the hit musical soap opera, his life has changed drastically in more ways than one. However, his most major moment to date may be the most life-changing one so far — he's Pepsi's newest spokesperson on and off the show.
Last night, the actor-singer sat down with BET.com and explained why the partnership is perfect for him and his character.
"We could make up things [for] the public and the viewers and the fans to show that Jamal is getting to the next level, but what better way to show that he’s really becoming a superstar in his own right than to have a deal with Pepsi," he said.
Smollett continued, "As far as we’ve known, for the longest time everybody from Michael Jackson to Madonna to Beyoncé to Britney Spears, they’ve all been faces of Pepsi. So the fact that he does that, we can really show that he’s going to the next level. He’s just getting bigger and bigger and bigger.”
After telling us that 14 years ago he journaled about wanting to work with Pepsi one day and explaining the importance of speaking your dreams out to the universe, Jussie explained what it means to work with the iconic soft drink brand.
“It’s been amazing and I will say this tonight… not only have they been wonderful with the show, they’ve accepted me separately in such an incredible way and it’s so dope to have this happen right now.”
Jussie didn't spill any tea about what we can expect come March, but he let us know that sticking around will benefit us greatly. Trust us, we'll be there!

(Photo: Dave Kotinsky/ Getty Images)