The Newest Olympic Sport: Pop Culture
The 2024 Olympic Games are a standout. Between the beautiful scenes in Paris and the monstrous waves in Tahiti, these games are shaping up to be monumental. The Games don't officially begin until the Opening Ceremony, and just like the amazing venues, the ceremony will be nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to NBCU, we will have a pop-culture element throughout the games unlike ever before.
The Opening Ceremony will be hosted by singer, songwriter, and one of America’s sweethearts, Kelly Clarkson. Kelly is joined by football superstar, Peyton Manning, and NBC host Mike Tirico. The three appeared on Kelly’s show, The Kelly Clarkson Show to dish out their excitement, nerves, and overall joy about this honor. Mike, an Olympic veteran in hosting, shared how special the Ceremony is: “It’s a great event because it does stop the world. So many countries and territories are represented. You feel another country’s love and support!” Kelly, appearing to take on the role of jokester between the three, expressed her nerves, “I know I am probably going to screw up. Get ready!”
Mock image of Opening Ceremony - @NBCOlympics/Instagram
The Hosting Trio - @peytonmanning/Instagram
Another reason this Opening Ceremony is a standout is the location. Until now, every Opening Ceremony in Olympic history has been held in a stadium. The planning committee for Paris challenged that by deciding to utilize the River Seine. Instead of having the athletes walk around the stadium, they will float into these games. Each country will have its boat and will travel just under 4 miles. When asked about the idea, Thomas Jolly, the Opening Ceremony Artistic Director, told fans, “There is no model; it’s absolute creation.” Peyton Manning compared this moment to when he used to run out of the tunnel on game days. Despite the athletes trading turf for water, Peyton said this would be “the coolest tunnel in history.”
Snoop at the 2024 USA Track Trials - Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Muhammed Ali at the 1996 Atlanta Games (Getty Images)
Pop culture has dominated the Olympic games, even before they begin! Alex Cooper, host and creator of Call Her Daddy and the Unwell network, will be hosting live watch parties. Snoop Dogg will carry the Olympic torch on one of its final routes through Saint Dennis, France. Upon accepting the role, Snoop shared how seriously he took this honor as he was inspired by Muhammed Ali during the 1996 Olympics. “It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there.” Of course, Snoop is alluding to Ali’s battle with Parkinson's' disease at the time. The iconic rapper will also commentate throughout the games, “giving his unique take on what’s happening in Paris.” Snoop showed his Olympic spirit before the games began, by attending the USA track and field trials in Oregon, sporting a chic running bib. Who knows? Maybe we will even get an exclusive episode of Call Her Daddy with Snoop!
Sabrina Carpenter in her NBCU commercial - @NBCOlympics/Instagram
NBCU is also utilizing celebrities in its commercials. Our favorite “It girl”, Sabrina Carpenter is the newest star. She appears at a French cafe, sipping Espresso, of course, when a “fan” approaches. Sabrina details the amazing events of the games - Simone’s comeback, the USA/Australia Swim rivalry, and the USA track team - to the fan: a blue bird that only Sabrina can see. The commercial ends with a waitress explaining that Sabrina has had enough Espresso as if that’s possible!
Paris Hilton in her NBCU commercial - YouTube/NBC
The original, legend, icon, and moment, Ms. Paris Hilton, also starred in a commercial at the beginning of the year. How could NBCU not work with Paris when the games are in the city she’s named for?!
Legendary director Steven Spielberg, is also narrating “Land of Stories”, adding an emotional and inspirational twist to the previews. “Land of Stories” is four-minute short film and will premiere before NBC’s Opening Ceremony coverage.
We are truly entering a new era of sports and pop culture. Thanks to NBCU, it is clear the 2024 Olympic Games are the total “ish” of sports coverage. Baby, let the games begin!