Watch the small army it takes to get Tara and Johnny ready for TV
Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski have become almost as famous for their broadcast booth fashion as they have for the fiery figure skating commentary that has catapulted them into the spotlight at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
From their bedazzled outfits and blown-out hair to their “no-holds-barred” approach to commentating, the sassy real life best friends are anything but subtle. Of course, none of that can be achieved without a healthy combination of preparation and confidence. So how does the broadcasting world’s most glamorous duo prepare for long days covering the most prestigious competition in the sport of figure skating?
In short, it takes a lot of research, really big hair and Tara taking control of DJ duties for their pre-show dance parties.
“I am the DJ. [Johnny] likes ballads and broadway – you know, no!” Lipinski said. “You need to get pumped up. We have our Katy Perry hits and our Lady Gaga hits.”
And no one can accuse Weir of underestimating their role in bringing the majesty of the sport to the viewers back at home.
“Makeup is super important. Underneath all of this, I look exhausted. Because I am,” said Johnny. “But we have millions of Americans to entertain.”
So exactly how many people does it take to cover up weeks of traveling, overcoming jet lag and super long work days? According to Lipinski, it takes a small army — and as Weir noted, a healthy flow of coffee.
Figure skating announcers Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir prepare for the start of the Pair Skating Short Program on day five of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics on Feb. 14, 2018 in South Korea. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
\
More Olympic coverage from Yahoo Sports:
• North Korean cheerleader breaks protocol, cheers USA
• The Olympics’ worst skier might be the most inspiring
• Ivanka to represent U.S. at Olympic Closing Ceremony
• Canadian women suffer historic curling loss
• A bittersweet ending for Lindsey Vonn
