Fans slam Kelly Clarkson, Peyton Manning’s NBC’s Olympics commentary
Olympic Opening Ceremony viewers were left puzzled over NBC’s decision to tap Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning as commentators for the major global event.
Rather than hiring a panel of former Olympians or traditional broadcasters at the 2024 Paris Games, the two-time Super Bowl champ and the Grammy winning songstress were joined by commentator Mike Tirico.
The trio had very little expertise to offer while covering the star-studded event.
‘When I’m looking for a broadcasting 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 how Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson apparently did no preparation.’
![Olympic viewers were puzzled by NBC's decision to tap Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/23/87827569-13677697-Viewers_were_left_puzzled_by_NBC_s_decision_to_tap_Kelly_Clarkso-a-17_1722034015387.jpg)
Olympic viewers were puzzled by NBC’s decision to tap Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning
![The Super Bowl champ and Grammy winning singer were joined by commentator Mike Tirico](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/23/87827571-13677697-image-a-18_1722034034661.jpg)
The Super Bowl champ and Grammy winning singer were joined by commentator Mike Tirico
‘Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning sound like the American tourists Parisians dread,’ a third viewer added.
Clarkson, a former American Idol winner who now hosts a talk show on NBC, copped even more backlash.
‘Kelly Clarkson girl I love you but you are so bad at this – did NO ONE prep you at NBC?!?!!’ one viewer wrote.
Another joked, ‘Kelly Clarkson is killing it on this opening ceremony broadcast with interesting analysis that ranges 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’s happened 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 savagely wrote on X](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/23/87827325-13677697-image-a-19_1722034078893.jpg)
‘Kelly Clarkson girl I love you but you are so bad at this,’ one fan savagely wrote on X
!['Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning sound like American tourists,' one viewer added](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/23/87827339-13677697-image-a-20_1722034099331.jpg)
‘Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning sound like American tourists,’ one viewer added
![The star-studded ceremony took place on Paris' River Seine on Friday evening](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/23/87824931-13677697-image-a-21_1722034146819.jpg)
The star-studded ceremony took place on Paris’ River Seine on Friday evening
Others wondered why the network didn’t tap former athletes to host the star-studded event, held on the Seine Friday evening.
‘Very confused as to why Peyton Manning, Kelly Clarkson, and Snoop are commentators on this?!? Like no Olympians?? Maybe Shaun White? Michael Phelps? Were they not available??’ one person wrote.
Viewers watching the ceremony at home also noticed one familiar face was noticeably missing from the proceedings: Simone Biles.
The super star gymnast opted not to attend event, however her parents were quick to explain her absence during an interview with NBC News’ Hoda Kotb and Snoop Dogg.
‘The first competition is Sunday,’ her mom Nellis explained, ‘which is the Women’s Qualifier. And, of course, she needs to rest up before that competition.’
The 27-year-old was advised to skip the lengthy proceedings, along with her teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey.