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.
"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."
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.
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.
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."
" 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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