This summer, Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning are set to add a fresh twist to NBC Universal’s coverage of the Paris Olympics. They are slated to co-host the opening ceremony alongside Mike Tirico, as announced by the network on Tuesday night. The live broadcast of the ceremony is scheduled for July 26 on NBC, starting at noon ET.
Peyton Manning, a celebrated figure in the NFL with two Super Bowl victories and an 18-season career, expressed his deep honor in witnessing the event up close. Currently, he co-hosts “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” alongside his brother, Eli Manning, another esteemed NFL quarterback. Kelly Clarkson, known for her three Grammy wins and multiple Emmy awards from her NBC talk show “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” also brought her charm to last year’s NFL Honors.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Manning shared his and Clarkson’s enthusiasm for the athletes and the tradition of the opening ceremonies. He anticipates a surge of emotions among the athletes and looks forward to uncovering and possibly sharing their stories with the audience by July.
Manning acknowledged the new challenge of stepping beyond his usual football commentary. However, Tirico is confident that both Manning and Clarkson will excel in their roles. The trio will be stationed at the Trocadero, offering stunning views of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower.
Tirico, preparing for his fourth opening ceremony, emphasized the importance of Manning and Clarkson being themselves, highlighting their widespread recognition, love, and trust from the public. He believes their presence underscores the event’s essence—a blend of sports and cultural celebration.
For the first time, the Olympic opening ceremony will take place outside a stadium, aligning with the Paris organizers’ vision of “Games Wide Open.” Approximately 10,500 athletes will navigate through Paris on boats along a 3.7-mile route on the Seine, showcasing the event’s grandeur.
“Today” show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb will report from a bridge along the parade route, offering insights into the ceremony’s spectacle as the athletes pass by. Molly Solomon, NBC Olympics Production’s executive producer and president, praised the dynamic synergy among the hosts, describing them as a “compelling combination.”
Solomon expressed her excitement for the team, highlighting the unique vantage point Guthrie and Kotb will have during the opening ceremony. Their position on one of the bridges, alongside the fans, will allow them to share a unique perspective, mirroring the audience’s experience and enhancing the ceremonial experience.