AI-generated voice of announcer of Al Michaels set to tackle Paris Olympics recaps

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As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris draws closer, a high-profile announcer is set to lend his voice to the Games coverage.

But longtime NFL play-by-play broadcaster Al Michaels will not be doing the heavy lifting. 

An artificial intelligence generated version of Michaels’ voice will be used for Olympic recaps, NBC announced. The AI-powered voice of Michaels will narrate Olympic video highlights for the company’s streaming platform.

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Al Michaels at Titans game

Dec 29, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee: Amazon Prime sportscaster Al Michaels walks on the field before the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys at Nissan Stadium. (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)

Fans will be able to customize the recaps based on their personal preferences and watch key moments from specific sports. The innovative tool built into « Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock » will feature highlight packages up to 10 minutes long.

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The « first-of-its-kind, personalized experience » is expected to provide millions of potential customizations, NBCUniversal said in a press release. 

Michaels said that while he initially had doubts, he quickly warmed up to the idea of having an AI-backed version of his voice narrate sports highlights.

Al Michaels on the field

Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Thursday Night Football Amazon Prime play-by-play announcer Al Michaels during the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.  (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

« When I was approached about this, I was skeptical but obviously curious, » Michaels said. « Then I saw a demonstration detailing what they had in mind. I said, ‘I’m in.’ »

Michaels has worked during the Olympic Games in the past. He called the « Miracle on Ice » game when the United States national ice hockey team upset the USSR in the 1980 Olympics. 

TV broadcaster Al Michaels looks on before a game

Television broadcaster Al Michaels looks on prior to the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium on November 3, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

In the final minutes of the game, Michaels delivered the iconic line, « Do you believe in miracles? Yes! » which remains cemented in U.S. Olympic lore.

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Michaels joined NBC Sports in 2006 and became the lead announcer of « Sunday Night Football. » He began calling games for Amazon Prime Video’s « Thursday Night Football » in 2022. The upcoming 2024 season will mark Michaels’ record 40th year as an NFL primetime play-by-play announcer.

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