Kelly Clarkson Sparks Mixed Reactions to Her Olympics Opening Ceremony Commentary
Kelly Clarkson was hit with online criticism over her commentary during the opening ceremony for the Summer 2024 Olympics.
The "Because of You" songstress hosted NBC's coverage of the opening ceremony in Paris on Friday, July 26, alongside former NFL star Peyton Manning and sports commentator Mike Tirico—but Clarkson received the brunt of the backlash.
The trio broadcasted from inside one of NBC's on-site studios during the opening ceremony, which so far, has been like nothing the Olympics have ever seen before. At this year's Games, the parade took place outside—in the rain, no less—with athletes representing their countries while cruising along the Seine River.
According to some viewers, the commentary, particularly from Clarkson, interfered with their ability to enjoy the extravagant ceremony.
Mike Tirico, Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning kick it off from Paris! ??
?? #ParisOlympics Opening Ceremony on NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/6ufzfbNtf7— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 26, 2024
"Kelly Clarkson's reactions to the Opening Ceremony are genuine, but her constant cut-ins in the middle of performances keep viewers from feeling the atmosphere being portrayed," one person pointed out on X (formerly Twitter) during the broadcast.
"It’s not terribly awful but I really wish that the NBC commentators wouldn’t feel the need to randomly talk over the show. Just let the images speak for themselves sometimes. I’m talking about you Kelly Clarkson! #OpeningCeremony," someone else lamented.
Another critic wrote, "The commentary was annoying, disruptive, and offered very little substance. What a disappointing way to watch such an innovative event."
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.
— Dan (@DanSparano) July 26, 2024
Some viewers also took issue with the broadcast after finding that Clarkson and the other hosts seemed ill-prepared, seemingly lacking knowledge of the Olympics and French culture.
"The cool thing about this Olympic opening ceremony is how Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson apparently did no preparation," one message on X read.
I don’t know how to say this without being mean…Kelly Clarkson and Payton Manning are absolutely horrendous on this #Paris2024 opening ceremony broadcast. NBC should be ashamed giving them these jobs and not to former Olympic athletes, Parisian historians, or real journalists.??
— TheMouseAndMore-Adam (@TheMouseAndMore) July 26, 2024
Others blamed NBC for "setting Kelly Clarkson up for failure" with the broadcast.
"Why did no one prep her on sports commentating & Olympic facts. Now she’s getting dragged on the internet. She’s still a queen though regardless of the hate," someone wrote in defense of the singer.
Whoever at NBC watching live that gave the ok to Kelly Clarkson #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/ciM4tfqmAV
— Bame (@tyson2380) July 26, 2024
Many others also came to Clarkson's defense, including those who actually enjoyed hearing her commentary.
One person said Clarkson was giving the energy of someone's "Fun Aunt," while watching the ceremony.
Another person equated her enthusiastic energy to that of a "golden retriever."
Kelly Clarkson talks a lot but she’s also one of the most unproblematic celebrities, supports many other artists and she’s talented as hell. Let her live. #Olympics #OpeningCeremony #Paris2024
— Lee (@caseyleemoore) July 26, 2024
"I have seen too much Kelly Clarkson slander on the internet tonight," yet another dedicated fan declared via X. "She is literally one of the hosts for the opening ceremony. The definition of that job is to talk about what she’s seeing. She has cheered on every athlete and performer. What are you expecting?"
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