Viewers of the Olympic Opening Ceremony were left confused by NBC’s choice to enlist Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning as commentators for this grand global occasion.
Instead of bringing in a panel of seasoned Olympians or traditional broadcasters for the 2024 Paris Games, the two-time Super Bowl champion and the Grammy Award-winning singer were paired with commentator Mike Tirico.
The trio offered minimal relevant insight during the high-profile event.
One viewer humorously commented on X, ‘When I think of a broadcasting crew for a spectacular cultural celebration, Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning come to mind.’
Another quipped, ‘It’s amusing that during this Olympic opening ceremony, Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson seem to have done no preparation at all.’
Olympic viewers were puzzled by NBC’s decision to tap Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning
The Super Bowl champion and Grammy-winning singer were joined by commentator Mike Tirico
A third viewer mentioned, ‘Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning come off as the kind of American tourists Parisians dislike.’
Clarkson, a past American Idol winner who now runs a talk show on NBC, received even more criticism.
One viewer tweeted, ‘Kelly Clarkson, I adore you, but this is not your strength – did absolutely NO ONE prep you at NBC?!?!!’
Another humorously added, ‘Kelly Clarkson is doing fantastic work on this opening ceremony broadcast, providing analysis that ranges from “this is cool” to “this is SO cool.”’
A third individual said, ‘These opening ceremonies would be way more entertaining if Kelly Clarkson didn’t respond to everything with the astonishment of someone who’s never left home.’
‘Kelly Clarkson I love you but you are struggling with this,’ one fan harshly remarked
‘Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning’s vibes are reminiscent of typical American tourists,’ one viewer commented
The spectacular ceremony took place along the River Seine in Paris on Friday evening
Many viewers questioned the network’s decision to not include former athletes in the commentary for this highly publicized event, which took place along the Seine on Friday night.
‘I don’t understand why Peyton Manning, Kelly Clarkson, and Snoop are commentators for this?!? No Olympians?? What about Shaun White? Michael Phelps? Were they not around??’ one viewer remarked.
Those watching the ceremony at home also noticed that one familiar face was noticeably absent: Simone Biles.
The superstar gymnast decided to skip the event, though her parents promptly explained her absence during an interview with NBC News’ Hoda Kotb and Snoop Dogg.
‘Her first competition is on Sunday,’ her mother Nellis explained, ‘which involves the Women’s Qualifier. Obviously, she needs to rest before that.’
The 27-year-old was advised to forgo the lengthy ceremony, as were her teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey.
