Paris Olympics Update: Alongside Peyton Manning and Co., Another America’s Favorite Joins Closing Ceremony Coverage

Only a day back, NBC announced the addition of NFL legend Peyton Manning and singer Kelly Clarkson to their crew for covering the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Now they have added more excitement to it. The popular host of “The Tonight Show”, Jimmy Fallon, has confirmed to be joining the NBC crew to cover the closing ceremony of the big event. Fallon himself broke the news on his podcast channel in a clip.

“It’s real, It’s happening, I’m gonna do it. I am heading to Paris. I am going to co-host the Olympics closing ceremony this summer. I had no idea that’s gonna happen…I am beyond excited, I am beyond honored!” an emphatic Jimmy announced on his YouTube channel. Keeping his signature humor to the announcement, Jimmy then made a personal plea to French President Emmanuel Macron to let him crash at his place! It all started on the previous night in Jimmy’s popular “The Tonight Show”.

The show hosted sportscaster Mike Tirico, singer Kelly Clarkson, and NFL legend Peyton Manning. Recalling that, Fallon said in his clip, “Before the show, NBC said that Mike had a surprise for me, and I thought that was the surprise. That they are hosting the opening ceremony of the Olympics together.” However, he was astounded to know the bigger picture of  ‘the surprise’ that Mike Tirico gave him live on the show.

On that episode of the show, Mike Tirico came up with an offer for Jimmy Fallon, “If you come to Paris, will you do the closing ceremony with me?” Fallon could not contain his excitement, as he exclaimed, “Are you serious? Is this real?”. He then literally jumped in joy and declared, ” I’m in! I’m in!” It seems like, Jimmy came out to confirm this officially to leave no room for anticipation or confusion. This latest addition is another layer of hype to the already dazzling broadcaster lineup and they can not hide their excitement either.

Honored, glad, excited: Olympic broadcasters pour their emotions out

Both Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning expressed their emotions over the opportunity. As Tirico announced the news of hosting the coverage, Clarkson said on the Tonight Show, “I’m so glad we can say it. We’ve been holding this forever.” 

Previously, Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning had said on Tuesday, “I’m extremely honored to have a front row seat…I look forward to finding out those stories between now and July and maybe sharing that with the audience.” Interestingly, this is not the first time NBC has surprised everyone with the addition of their Olympic broadcaster.

Read More: Paris Olympics 2024: Snoop Dogg Sends an Emotional Message To Fans and NBC

A few months back, American Rapper Snoop Dogg was announced to be a special NBC Olympics correspondent at Paris. “Let’s elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition, and may the best shine like gold…Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?” Dogg had said on that occasion.

Notably, Dogg debuted in the Olympic broadcasting realm during the Tokyo Olympics on the Peacock show “Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg.” An emotional Dogg had said, “I’m honored and I’m thankful…the opportunity to go over there” after the news broke out. It remains to be seen how many more surprises added to the broadcast lineup in the coming days.

Also Read: With Only 150 Days Until the Paris Olympics, Host City Unveils Another Special Surprise for Fans