This Addison Rae cover is THE song of the summer

Who knew Addison Rae’s Diet Pepsi could be so dramatic?

Ben Platt recently covered the hit song at the 2025 Las Culturistas Culture Awards… and it’s actually stunning.

We all know Ben Platt can sing (Pitch Perfect, Broadway star, etc. etc.), but this song felt like having glee back in our lives. Someone even commented, “Darren Criss piano teenage dream cover final boss.”

To quote another, "The people yearn for Glee." #Lemon8Partner #BenPlatt #CultureAwards #DietPepsi #AddisonRae

2025/8/14 Edited to

... Read moreBen Platt’s recent cover of Addison Rae’s "Diet Pepsi" at the 2025 Las Culturistas Culture Awards has drawn widespread acclaim for its dramatic and heartfelt rendition. Known for his stellar performances on Broadway and in 'Pitch Perfect,' Platt transforms this pop hit into an emotionally charged experience reminiscent of the beloved TV show Glee, a sentiment echoed by many viewers who long for the musical vibrancy that the show embodied. The cover showcases Platt’s vocal prowess, breathing new life into Addison Rae’s original track, which gained popularity for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. This rendition emphasizes piano accompaniment, drawing comparisons to other iconic covers, such as those by Darren Criss and Kelly Clarkson, further highlighting the song’s versatility and emotional range. Fans have expressed enthusiasm through social media, with comments like "The people yearn for Glee" and praises linking the performance to a revival of that musical era, underlining the cultural impact of Platt’s cover. The event itself, the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, has been recognized for its vibrant celebration of contemporary culture, making this performance a standout moment. In addition to artistic merit, the song’s connection to Addison Rae’s brand, notably her association with Diet Pepsi, adds a layer of pop culture significance. The fusion of music, celebrity influence, and advertising has created a unique phenomenon that resonates with younger audiences and music lovers alike. Overall, Ben Platt’s cover of "Diet Pepsi" not only revitalizes the song but also taps into a broader cultural nostalgia for musical storytelling, marking it as a significant highlight of the 2025 awards season and a candid reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire.