Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir Will Cover Kentucky Derby
Sochi’s breakout hosting duo, former figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, are back at it again. NBC announced that Tara and Johnny will be the official fashion commentators for the network’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby, airing May 3rd from Churchill Downs.
Even though Lipinksi and Weir were newbies at Sochi, they definitely proved they were a dynamic duo with plenty of star power. Plus the Kentucky Derby, which is really two hours of fashion and only two minutes of racing, has a lot in common with the Olympic games: it’s a cultural event first, sporting event second. Another similarity: a large female audience. According to Nielsen ratings, NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby is one of the most female-friendly sporting events of the year, with 51% of the viewers being women. The only sporting event more viewed by women is (you guessed it): The Olympics.
So with such a large female viewership, it makes sense to devote the entire first hour to red carpet arrivals, and you better believe Tara and Johnny will let their fashion critic flags fly. “We’ve always loved loud fashion and sort of bonded over it,” Lipinski told Entertainment Weekly. Adds Weir: “We’ve grown up as entertainers, and going out the door, what you’re wearing is often the loudest statement you can make.”
Tara and Johnny are not only Kentucky Derby fashion enthusiasts but are also experienced in the equestrian world; Johnny even competed professionally before focusing on figure skating. In spite of that, he says, “”I’m not such a sports guy, aside from what people may think,” Weir said. “I prefer to run in meadows and chase butterflies.” Johnny was also an attendee at the 2010 Derby, but only as a spectator.
Last year’s Kentucky Derby broadcast on NBC brought in 16 million viewers, making it the most watched Derby in 25 years. The show is also produced by Rob Hyland, the coordinating producer for NBC Sports, who produced the Winter Olympic games. Hyland knew the potential of Tara and Johnny and smartly invited them to the Derby. With those two on board, there’s no doubt the Derby will see even more viewers this year. (Plus, we can’t wait to see what they wear!)
Beyond excited about going to the @KentuckyDerby No better company than Horses, Hats and @JohnnyGWeir #KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/BC53M3DTCS
— Tara Lipinski (@taralipinski) April 22, 2014
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