You may not immediately see any connection between an internationally renowned figure skating champion and a fiery Eurovision diva – but an unexpected (and FIERCE) connection is now coming together.
On Tuesday Johnny Weir — two-time Olympian, three-time U.S. champion, and 2008 World bronze medalist — sent dual skating/Eurovision fans into a frenzy when he announced on Twitter that he had selected Eleni Fouriera’s Eurovision banger “Fuego” as the music for his exhibition performances this upcoming season.
Weir, an athlete known for his outspokenness and dramatic flair, may well match Eleni in the choreography and costume stakes. He once skated in a bedazzled “Swan Lake” costume with a glove symbolic of the bird’s beak, which he nicknamed “Camille” after the composer of the opera. In the revelatory tweet announcing his music, he mentioned that butterflies will provide his sartorial inspiration.
??
— Eleni Foureira (@foureira_eleni) July 18, 2018
It’s not surprising that Weir would dip into the world of Eurovision. Highly cultured and known to be a fan of diverse artists and cultures, he’s particularly fond of Russian music and is a fluent Russian speaker.
In early June he teased his dalliance with the Greek-Albanian songstress on Instagram. He’s seen skating in a rink working choreography to “Fuego” — though he hand’t yet given away his intentions. We particularly appreciate the hashtag #booty.
Eleni responded on Twitter with a simple message with one red heart — showing her love and approval — just two hours later.
Reaction from fans of Johnny, Eleni, and Eurovision came thick and fast, with anticipation and hopes of seeing the new program high.
He’s not yet confirmed his appearance schedule (neither in exhibitions in the US or abroad, nor on TV). But followers of Johnny and Eleni can likely look forward to Johnny’s skating burning up the ice to Eleni’s tune throughout the fall and winter (and hopefully beyond).
Are you excited about Johnny choosing Eleni’s music to skate to? Are you gagging for a live performance combining Eleni and Johnny’s flame-worthy talent? Let us know in the comments below!
Figure skating is a pretty cool sport, but I don’t find its men to be all that “hot” (for the most part).
Although, that Spanish skater who won bronze at the Olympics can melt ice without Eleni’s song.
To each their own — but there are plenty of men worthy of admiration for their genetic gifts — and yes “that Spanish skater” Javier Fernandez is for sure one of them! 🙂
Go and see his performance to poker face by Lady Gaga. He is gonna melt the ice ?
Fuego everywhere
Yey Johnny. So “out there” all the time, whether he’s skating or commentating. I wish I could do what he did, obviously. 🙂
That’s always been Johnny’s way — like him or not for his flashiness, he finds ways to stay relevant and keep things interestng!