Olympic Opening Ceremony viewers were left baffled by NBC’s decision to choose Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning as commentators for the major global event.
Instead of hiring a panel of former Olympians or traditional announcers for the 2024 Paris Games, the two-time Super Bowl champion and Grammy-winning singer were joined by commentator Mike Tirico.
The trio had very little experience to offer while covering the star-studded event.
“When I look for a voice-over team to guide me through a unique cultural moment of international celebration, I immediately think of Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson,” one viewer joked on X.
Another hilariously chimed in: “The cool thing about this Olympic opening ceremony is that Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson apparently didn’t prepare.”
Olympic viewers were baffled by NBC’s decision to cast Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning
The Super Bowl champion and Grammy-winning singer was joined by commentator Mike Tirico
“Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning sound like the American tourists Parisians fear,” added a third viewer.
Clarkson, a former American Idol winner who now hosts a talk show on NBC, received even more criticism.
“Kelly Clarkson girl I love you but you suck at this. Did NO ONE prepare you at NBC?!?” one viewer wrote.
Another joked: “Kelly Clarkson is killing it on this opening ceremony broadcast with interesting analysis ranging from ‘this is cool’ to ‘this is SO cool.'”
“These opening ceremonies would be more fun if Kelly Clarkson didn’t react to everything that happens like she’s never left her house before,” a third person chimed in.
“Kelly Clarkson girl I love you but you are so bad at this,” one fan wrote fiercely on X.
“Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning sound like American tourists,” added one viewer.
The star-studded ceremony took place on the River Seine in Paris on Friday evening.
Others questioned why the network did not choose former athletes to present the star-studded event, which took place on the Seine on Friday night.
“I’m really confused as to why Peyton Manning, Kelly Clarkson and Snoop are commenting on this. No Olympians? Maybe Shaun White? Michael Phelps? Were they not available?” one person wrote.
Viewers watching the ceremony from home also noticed a One familiar face was notably absent from the proceedings: Simone Biles.
The superstar gymnast chose not to attend the event, hoHowever, his parents were quick to explain his absence during an interview with NBC News Hoda Kotb and Snoop Dogg.
“The first competition is on Sunday,” explained her mother Nellis, “which is the women’s qualifying round. And of course she needs to rest before that competition.”
The 27-year-old was advised to avoid lengthy procedures, along with teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey.