 In 1984 , Pepsi sponsored the Jacksons ' Victory Tour . In return , Michael and his brothers were to star in two commercials for the company . Jackson had reworked " Billie Jean " for the commercial and entitled it " Pepsi Generation " . The song was used as the official jingle for the commercials and released as a 7 " promo single . The launch of " The Choice of a New Generation " campaign in February 1984 was attended by 1 @,@ 600 people who were issued with a programme and the 7 " single . During the filming of the second commercial , a firework exploded and Jackson 's hair caught fire . The incident left the singer in need of reconstructive surgery . The commercials were premiered at the Grammy Awards , the same night he collected a record eight awards . 
