Amazon’s Alexa gets big Star Quality

July 20, 2021

Amazon has announced that the voices of Melissa McCarthy and Shaquille O’Neal are now available on Alexa devices.

McCarthy and O’Neal are the latest A-List celebs to act as Alexa celebrity personalities.

The last time Alexa added a star-powered voice, it was Samuel L. Jackson in 2019. According to the company’s launch announcement, the day Amazon launched Jackson’s celebrity personality, it quickly became the top selling digital purchase on Amazon.com. “Customers have had a lot of fun with the Samuel L. Jackson experience on Alexa, and when customers love something, we look for ways to give them more of it,” vice president of Alexa Experience & Echo Devices Toni Reid said.

“That’s right folks, get ready for the vocal stylings of this nasal midwestern gal!” McCarthy said. “I hope you all enjoy all my dad jokes! Fun fact — if you hear a slide whistle, it’s my personal one that I brought with me to the recording studio!”

“It’s on! Shaq is in the house to make your speakers bounce. Boomshakalaka!” O’Neal said. “I’m so excited to be a part of the Alexa experience.”

To get started, all Alexa users have to do (after they pay the $4.99 fee for the privilege) is say, “Alexa, introduce me to Shaq,” or “Alexa, introduce me to Melissa.”

You’ll be able to say “Hey Melissa” or “Hey Shaq” to hear a joke, personal story, or the latest weather report in their voice.

You can also ask O’Neal to show off his musical skills by saying, “Hey Shaq, rap for me,” or ask Melissa to tell you a funny story by saying, “Hey Melissa, tell me a story.”

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Photo Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Written by: Vipology Staff Writer

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