Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski Join NBC Kentucky Derby Team

They're back!

Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski are teaming up again, this time to cover next week's Kentucky Oaks (May 2) and Kentucky Derby (May 3) as fashion correspondents for NBC and NBCSN.

The two figure skating champions were breakout stars of NBC's Sochi Olympics coverage as much for their fashion choices and sartorial critiques as for their insider knowledge of the sport.

"Johnny and Tara have an infectious energy that will bring a fun and fresh perspective to our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks telecasts," said Rob Hyland, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group. "They will be in their element amid the big-event atmosphere and pageantry of Churchill Downs."

Weir and Lipinski have become sought-after fashion pundits following their on-air Olympic appearances and subsequent stint as Oscar red carpet commentators for "Access Hollywood."

During his time behind the mic at the Olympics, Weir's personal fashion choices were a hit with viewers and social media followers. Furs, handbags and often outré headgear were the norm for the Twitter and Instagram star.

Weir tweeted his excitement over the new appointment: 

The sporting champs already have connections to the equestrian world with Lipinksi riding horses as a youngster and Weir competing in jumping events before turning his focus to figure skating. Weir told the Associated Press he attended the 2010 Kentucky Derby as a fan and bet on the winning horse. He chose a fur-covered sombrero as his headgear for the day. 

"We've always loved loud fashion and sort of bonded over it," Lipinski said to the AP. "The whole Olympics experience was a bit of a surprise. We came in and were focused on doing a good job as rookies. But we're young and we like to have fun. The fashion was specifically for us every day and it was like, 'Oh, people are watching. This is fun.'"

NBC's 2013 Derby telecast was seen by 16.2 million viewers. Women comprised 51% of that audience ranking as the highest percentage of female viewership for any major sporting event in 2013. It was the second most-watched Derby in 25 years.

Tune in to watch Weir and Lipinsky at the Kentucky Oaks on Friday May 2 (3-6 p.m. ET on NBCSN) and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 3 (12-4 p.m. ET on NBCSN, 4-7 on NBC).

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