Johnny Weir Twitter & Tara Lipinski: Duo Will be Fashion Analysts at Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks
Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski are showing the world that they can do more than just skate.
The duo will serve as fashion experts on NBC during the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby next month. This will not be the first time the two figure skaters have appeared together in front of the camera; they reported at the Academy Awards and the Best of U.S. Awards. Most notably the two appeared as figure skating analysts during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
NBC Sports Group Coordinating Producer Rob Hyland expressed his excitement about having the two on the screen. "Johnny and Tara have an infectious energy that will bring a fun and fresh perspective to our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks telecasts," Hyland said. "They will be in their element amid the big-event atmosphere and pageantry of Churchill Downs."
Weir posted on Twitter Tuesday morning. "Super excited to join the âª@NBCSports team covering the âª@KentuckyDerby!" he wrote. "Juleps, southern charm and a custom hat by âª@KERINROSEGOLD."
Some might wonder why NBC would feature fashion analysts at the Kentucky Derby but the answer seems to be pretty clear. According to the Associated Press, which cited information from Nielson, more than half of the viewers during the Derby last year were women. For what it is worth, Weir also made headlines in 2010 when he attended the Kentucky Derby wearing what was said to be a "giant, fur-covered sombrero."
What do you think about Weir making all of the appearances as an analyst? Do you think he will try to make a career out of it once his days as a figure skater come to an end? Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments section located down below.