In a dazzling new promotional campaign for the 2024 Summer Olympics, rapper Cardi B and track star Sha’Carri Richardson are showcasing their Olympic-themed nails while sharing their excitement for the upcoming games in Paris. The campaign, launched by NBCUniversal, aired its first commercial during NBC’s Kentucky Derby broadcast, featuring a lively conversation between the two icons at a nail salon.
Cardi B, known for her chart-topping hits and bold personality, and Sha’Carri Richardson, celebrated as the “World’s Fastest Woman,” bonded over their shared dedication to their crafts. The ninety-second ad captures their candid chat about the rigorous demands of their professions and the importance of self-care.
“I want to know a little bit about the training. How many times a week do you train? How many hours?” Cardi B inquired, flaunting her freshly manicured nails. Richardson, equally relaxed, responded, “I literally train five days out of the week. A nine to five in corporate is my nine to five on the track.”
The conversation, which extends to a two-minute and eight-second video available on YouTube, highlights the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics, set to begin in Paris on July 26. NBCUniversal and Comcast, who secured the U.S. broadcast rights for the Olympics from 2021 to 2032 in a $7.75 billion deal, are pulling out all the stops to build anticipation for the event.
Jenny Storms, CMO of Entertainment and Sports for NBCUniversal, expressed the strategic pairing of Cardi B and Richardson. “Pairing Sha’Carri with Cardi was a natural fit. They are titans in their respective fields, mutual fans of each other, and share many common interests. Audiences across sports, music, and pop culture will gravitate to their genuine affection and respect.”
Richardson, who clinched the gold in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, is gearing up for the U.S. Olympic Trials this June. If she qualifies, she will compete for gold in multiple track and field events at the Paris Olympics.
Cardi B, who recently released “Like What (Freestyle)” in March, continues to make waves in the music industry. The track, which samples a Missy Elliot classic, showcases her freestyle skills with bold lyrics and a glamorous music video directed by Offset.
NBCU plans to release several clips from the conversation between Cardi B and Richardson in the lead-up to the Olympics. These clips will be promoted on the social media profiles of both stars, further amplifying the excitement.
Cardi B joins a star-studded lineup of celebrities, including Megan Thee Stallion, Dolly Parton, Paris Hilton, Peyton Manning, Roman Reigns, and the Minions, in promoting the Paris Olympics. The campaign promises more artist-athlete pairings, creating buzz as the games approach.
During their manicure session, Richardson shared insights into her intense training regimen. “I literally train five days out the week,” she told Cardi B. “Literally to the point where a 9 to 5 in corporate is like my 9 to 5 on the track working out.”
Cardi B, equally committed to her craft, responded, “I am also ‘locked in’ like Richardson, punishing myself for not yet finishing my next album.”
The rapper expressed her excitement about the Olympics being hosted in Paris, one of her favorite cities. “When the Olympics is in like a lit city, it changes the mood, it changes the tone,” Cardi B said. Richardson agreed, adding, “I feel like the fun is going to be restored to the Olympics.”
Richardson, who has already won two gold medals at the 2023 World Championships for the women’s 100m and 4 x 100m relay, is aiming for more historic achievements in Paris. Cardi B assured Richardson of her support, saying, “I will come just for you… and shopping.”
With less than 100 days to go before the 2024 Paris Olympics, preparations are in full swing. The games will air exclusively on NBC’s family networks and stream on Peacock, starting July 26.
Richardson, reflecting on her journey, said, “I have no plans of letting life, adversity, any obstacle [stop] me from being in Paris.” The sentiment resonated with Cardi B, who is equally determined to support the athlete and enjoy the vibrant city.
The promotional video, part of a larger marketing effort by Comcast and NBC, is designed to create memorable moments that resonate across multiple audiences. The campaign, featuring more conversations between celebrities and athletes, will continue to build excitement as the games draw near.
As the world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Summer Olympics, the collaboration between Cardi B and Sha’Carri Richardson adds a unique and glamorous touch to the countdown. Their shared enthusiasm and mutual respect highlight the spirit of the games, promising an unforgettable experience in the City of Lights.
