Skating's Next Star w/Kristi Yamaguchi [Archive]

Heather

March 14th, 2006, 04:04 PM

It's "Women Entertainment." Here's the network's site:
http://www.we.tv/

I don't get this station (we don't get WE or Oxygen, I guess my cable service doesn't care about women, haha.) It's the reason why I keep forgetting to post about it on my schedule. I'm writing down to put it in tonight's update.

iloveskating

March 14th, 2006, 04:14 PM

I get Oxy, even though it's not listed in our local TV Listings. Don't think we get WE but I'll check. Thank.s

Krista

March 14th, 2006, 04:15 PM

Anyone in the Raleigh area, its on Channel 61. I didn't think I got the channel either, but apparently I do. I just don't know all the channels well enough. Too many of them!

MKandNYYfan

March 14th, 2006, 05:19 PM

What is Kristi's new show? I'm out of the loop! Has it already been discussed on this forum? If so, I apologize! I'd love to see Kristi as a skating's next star...even though I already thought she was!

billob

March 15th, 2006, 12:29 AM

I think that WE means Womans Entertainment or something like that. I have not watched the channel in the past.

I guess that Kristi is going to give some exposure to up hopeful up and comers.

We will know next Monday.

canarysong

March 15th, 2006, 12:58 AM

Here is the show's website:
http://skatingsnextstar.we.tv/

JonMLFS

March 15th, 2006, 09:58 AM

Twelve relatively unknown professional skaters, that just missed stardom come together to battle it over six episodes both on and off the ice to see who will become Skating’s Next Star.

The show is hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist, Kristi Yamaguchi. The Judges are Olympic Silver Medalist Elvis Stojko, Double Olympic Gold Medalist Oksana Grishuk and World Bronze Medalist, Rudy Galindo.

The six episode show was created and produced by Major League Figure Skating. The show premiers in the United States Monday, March 20, 2006 on WE: Women’s Entertainment 10PM EST, 9PM CST, 8 MST and 7 PST.

The show's website is: http://skatingsnextstar.we.tv

Yenezie

March 15th, 2006, 10:02 AM

It just occured to me that Kristi and Rudy used to skate pairs. After 1996 it was my fantasy to see Kristi and Rudy skate together just once, for old times sake even though realistically it was unlikely - for one, Rudy lost muscle mass he had when he skated pairs. Now with his two new cermanic hips it is never going to happen.

Amber11

March 15th, 2006, 10:35 AM

I think it is over kill. These shows are just popping up out of nowhere and it is tired and old. I, for one, will not be watching. Poor Kristi. Does she really need the dough?

fdevine

March 15th, 2006, 10:42 AM

Well, I'd watch it if i had WE.

grannie frances

JazDFW

March 15th, 2006, 10:55 AM

I think it is over kill. These shows are just popping up out of nowhere and it is tired and old. I, for one, will not be watching. Poor Kristi. Does she really need the dough?

Geez it's been over 10 years since she's won the Oly's now so she's probably richer than Job with the endorsements and tours she's done. I certainly don't think Kristi's doing it for the money, more likely for the exposure. I think the publicity will be good for FS as a whole. Furthermore, i think getting to see unknown pro skaters would be interesting.

jlim0385

March 15th, 2006, 11:44 AM

i have to agree and it seems like they're targetting a specific audience as opposed to a mass audience. they're just going for a niche audience and they'll probably get it seeing as if... women, generally, love figure skating AND kristi yamaguchi.

missmarysgarden

March 15th, 2006, 11:59 AM

Even Kristi Yamaguchi, as much as I love her, isn't enough to entice me to watch yet another American Idol spinoff - complete with controversial judging panels, and in this case, athletes who didn't make it for a good reason. I suppose they will lock them up in dorms together to try to get them in emotional tangles, and expose their broken psyches. I just can't stand these shows that prey on people desperate for attention, and willing to go on national TV and embarass themselves. I think its the lowest form of "entertainment." JMO, of course.

electrictroy

March 15th, 2006, 12:13 PM

If someone gives me $100,000 I can cry on cue.

Nsidedge

March 15th, 2006, 01:34 PM

If someone gives me $100,000 I can cry on cue.

:lol You are too funny electrictroy! :lol

ImJustAWittleGuy

March 16th, 2006, 11:06 AM

you guys are a trip! :P
(roflmao)

Revolennon

March 16th, 2006, 11:19 AM

Krista

March 16th, 2006, 11:53 AM

LOL yeah I was just going to post that I definitely have to watch just to see what Pasha says.

malina

March 16th, 2006, 08:45 PM

tarotx

March 16th, 2006, 09:11 PM

Well, I think I'm gonna watch. The pro skaters thing seems pretty interesting. I mean, my feeling is, if they put all that hard work into becoming a skater, missed the limelight for whatever reason, and then STILL dedicated themselves to being in the pro ranks, they must either really love skating or have some hardcore dedication. That alone, people skating for the pure love of skating, will probably make it interesting enough for me to watch.

Plus the judges are great. Elvis and Rudy will be funny probably but great judges, and I can't wait to see if Pasha Grishuk stirs up any controversy while she's there.

I think you have the right idea. I personally think it should be fun to watch. These skaters are pros-they know how to skate. Back in 1994 Rory Flack Burghart won the US Open and got a little pro attention. Times are different now of course but I'm looking at this show in the same way I was open up to her skating.

Beth2000

March 16th, 2006, 09:27 PM

well, this just sucks. We get WE but, it is on channel 199. We don't have Digital cable so, I won't be able to see it. UGH!!!!

EigthAv

March 16th, 2006, 10:44 PM

what's the point of this show? these skaters are old and can't compete in the olympics. next star to what?? i hate the skating reality shows they are doing. makes skating look bad. it's cheezy and i'm surprised kristi is doing it.

Malina,I can dig where you're coming from.Most of the World "doesn't get it" and it doesn't help the issue when very popular pros become a part of the movement to further stereotype the sport.

I'd like to thank those of you who let me know that the ABC-Family Channel Cutting Edge II is even stupider than the original.It made my decision to opt for what turned out to be a pretty groovy movie over on LifeTime Movies channel.

It's harder than ever for me to just sit here,knock my brain out of gear and pretend when it comes to figure skating and baseball movies.There could be so many interesting plots if "they" weren't so stuck on "Olympics against all odds" and "bottom of 9th,down to his last strike and no one believes he can do it". What about the other 99% of the players in both sports who work so hard and will never be in either of those zones???

I'd love,one day,if Jennifer Kirk could work with her PBS-Frontline father,Michael Kirk,and give us a figure skating version of what PBS & Ken Burns did for baseball.Some real reality for a change.

billob

March 16th, 2006, 11:45 PM

Time will tell but I got the impression from TVG that this is not just an American Idol spinoff.

Really, What can they do for these people except give them TV exposure?

They would still have to go through the USFSA tests & competitions to advance in the real world.

By the time the Olys rolled around I had pretty well lost interest in that show that was following several of the ladies.
I hope this show is better

tarotx

March 17th, 2006, 12:04 AM

Well the winner of this isn't really trying to be Olympic eligible. The winner gets $25,000, a one-year pro skating representation contract and other prizes. This is a Major League of Figure Skating production.

http://www.mlfskating.com/shell.asp?Target=index

JonMLFS

March 20th, 2006, 09:30 AM

There is a great article here on the background of the show!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-skating06mar20,0,2070894.story?coll=orl-home-entlife

Scoobert Dieu

March 20th, 2006, 07:46 PM

I watched a little bit of the show yesterday, and was very disappointed when after one girl skated, she was told by Rudy and Pasha to lose weight. And she wasn't even as heavy as Sarah Hughes! I thought, what a lousy way to make someone become anorexic.

BumbledBee

March 20th, 2006, 10:43 PM

Rudy is such an ***. Considering that his technique was "weak" compared to many men, I find his criticism ridiculous. This show is a complete waste of time. The judges give pointless advice, and the skaters are average to below.

pianohabebi

March 20th, 2006, 10:47 PM

Yeah, Rudy is being a bit of a p****. This first episode is a little, blah. Hopefully, it'll get more interesting.

donnylutz

March 20th, 2006, 11:04 PM

I think the premise is quite interesting....it just seems a little off!

Rudy Galindo really upset me with his fat comment about one of the girls......that's just pure mean.

Kristi, as much as I love her, really doesn't seem comfortable as the host/kick people off person.

However, I DO like seeing lots of skaters who are good, but never made it to great. It's exciting. I have lots of friends that skate like them, I do myself, and it's fun and interesting to watch.

What can the show accomplish? I have no clue.

Should be interesting at least.

donnylutz :)

Tennisdrive

March 20th, 2006, 11:33 PM

I just saw the last few minutes of the show, by chance. Yea, I'm definately sick of such shows, but I find myself watching them, and enjoying them somtimes. (I was a big fan of Project Runway, and I think I'm gonna be hooked on Top Chef :lol) I must say Dusty Brinsmade is really cute. I remember seeing him in some of Jennifer Kirk's pictures on her website. I wonder if they were an item.

MK Simply Stunning

March 20th, 2006, 11:35 PM

ShowMeTheKwan2

March 20th, 2006, 11:39 PM

Not sure how I feel about this show yet...I think I'm glad that it will only be six episodes because I really don't see how they could sustain anything interesting for longer than that.

I've always thought Elvis is a sweetheart--my suspicions were confirmed tonight. He was by far the most constructive judge. Pasha, eh. She was okay. I think Rudy Galindo has a great personality and I admire all he's been through, but man, he was acting like a major b***h tonight. I didn't think any of his comments were helpful or really even that consistent (he'd love one person and hate the next, and personally, I thought they were all pretty much the same.) I couldn't believe at the end when Rudy and Pasha were laughing at Chris's performance. That was so rude, so mean, and so uncalled for. They were like a couple of 7th grade girls laughing at some "nerd". Ugh.

So far, this show just makes me admire all skaters even more--to see that there are people out there who work and train so hard and we don't even know who they are...maybe that's why the laughing bothered me so much. At least they're trying their best (man, I've gone all Pollyanna here).

kittyjake5

March 20th, 2006, 11:55 PM

Rudy is the Simon character. Elvis has maintained his dignity, after a skater fell twice and ruined his little program, Pasha and Rudy were laughing so hard they were in tears. Felt sorry for the lad. Even the greats have bad days.

I thought that Rudy and Pasha were downright rude to laugh at that skater. I mean it was not a chuckle but they were laughing so hard Pasha had tears in her eyes. That poor skater looked crushed. At least Elvis had enough class not to laugh at him.

BrendaT

March 21st, 2006, 12:03 AM

trust me, if you didn't see this show, you didn't miss a thing! It was bascially boring. I thought Rudy was a real jerk, making fun of people. He didn't endear himself to me that is for sure. Maybe the shows will get better as they go along but if they aren't any better than tonight, then I won't watch it. Elvis was the only classy one. I just don't like it when someone has to try to make someone else feel small, and that is what Rudy did, in my opinion.

HawaiiMKfan

March 21st, 2006, 02:13 AM

I agree. First of all, WE has terrible production quality for their shows. The editing was terrible and the show looked so low budget that it left me wondering if these skaters are paying for their own accomodations while there.
Second, Rudy was the biggest a$$ ever! Coming from a skater who was inconsistent at best, I thought a lot of his comments were uncalled for. You would think he was a multiple OGM by the way he responds to these performances. His skating was no better than most of these guys.
I think Pasha has to go. She can barely speak the language. Sure, she can skate, but what use is she as a judge on a television show if she can't even communicate. All she says is "star quality" this and that. Blah!
Elvis is fantastic. He's constructive and completely resonable.
I too thought it was horrible that Pasha and Rudy had to act like preschoolers after Chris' performance. I've seen Rudy have performances just like that dozen of times. Shame on him!

aaronts

March 21st, 2006, 10:27 AM

yeah, what a joke. we came across it by accident because i've skipped over this thread since it's inception.

low rent!! the picture looks like bad soap opera quality. Rudy, i'm sure someone wanted him to be the mean one, was utterly useless. Oksana, w the exception of that laughter, was at least trying to find constructive, meaningful things to say. Elvis, spot on IMO & he's probably wondering why he even decided to do this.

as some already mentioned, Rudy was a weak skater in terms of overall skating talent in his hayday. he was on fire as a singles skater for about a season. great for him but big woop. his jumps were never that high & he never ever skated w much speed. his spinning, while fabulous at times has reduced to one quasi-I spin a show w COI. it must have been tough for the skaters to take. i also saw more inconsistency w his commentating than the other 2. just awful. what about the russian chick he told would be better on the big screen? how dumb a thing to say - she was one of the strongest ladies there.

i'll watch again if i'm taking a break from reading next week, but won't be sad to miss. it's too bad too, because some of the skaters seem to be trying very hard~

missmarysgarden

March 21st, 2006, 10:49 AM

Sorry, but this was even worse than I expected. I don't like any of the "American Idol" type shows because they contribute to the downfall of human decency in society - i.e., making money by drawing a crowd to watch a kangaroo court of hasbeens publically trash a desperate wannabee. I won't watch it again. I was so embarassed for Kristi to be a part of this. What trash.

wheelmaker

March 21st, 2006, 01:19 PM

and what is the deal with the teeny-tiny ice surface!? How is the skater going to work up enough speed for a good jump or spin when the surface is so small.
I can't believe they couldn't rent a rink for a few weeks or at least make a larger ice surface in their studio.

As far as the judging--Rudy was too mean. The judges comments were not very constructive. I hope they get better as the show continues.
I think they sent that girl home because she is engaged to Chris, so it was probably easiest to send them both home at the same time. I thought she skated better than the 18-year-old.

lavender

March 21st, 2006, 01:32 PM

I got bored towards the end of 'Skating with Stars' so I'd probably get bored with this one as well. Really how is it that they will find the next star on this show. That has only happened with one show and that's American Idol.

BatonKwan

March 21st, 2006, 05:29 PM

There were parts of this show I enjoyed, but Rudy was obnoxious. For someone with only one national title and one world medal, I thought his comments were a little uncalled for. In case you missed it, he advised an 18 yeard old girl to lose weight (she was Tonia K size; smaller than Sarah H). He didn't like the "practice" clothes of some of the competitors. And he laughed at one guy telling him that figure skating "wasn't his thing"- as if this grown man was 12 years old! At times, Elvis looked uncomfortable sitting next to them, and I can't say I would blame them. I am very shocked Kristi is associated with this show. It was pretty bad.

lavender

March 21st, 2006, 05:33 PM

lemonade16

March 21st, 2006, 06:41 PM

I was so embarassed for Kristi to be a part of this.

After watching the first 10 minutes or so of this show, that is exactly what crossed my mind. Why, Kristi, why?

I think I probably would have watched the whole show if my husband didn't save me and insist on changing the channel (which he never does, btw). Phew!

The premise of this show is figure skating meets American Idol. Okay, then, why on earth is there no real ice? And why such a tiny "ice" surface? It was clear the skaters had to hold back so as not to trip off the "ice" surface!

I am a little surprised Elvis took part in this, but Pasha and Rudi are more of the dramatic sort, so I can see this appealing to them. I didn't see the part with Chris, so I can't comment on that. Overall, from what I did see, I thought Elvis was very constructive and so was Pasha in the beginning. Maybe Rudi rubbed off.

I won't be watching again.

billob

March 22nd, 2006, 12:08 AM

I like what the show is trying to do but I think that some of Rudy's comments should be reserved for a one on one with the contestant.

Both SOI & COI were mentioned at least once so I expect that the winner will do at least part of one of these tours.

I have to agree that the one lady brings back memories of Liz Manley.

Except for Kristi, I doubt that most of the non skating fan type public would recognize the names of the stars in the cast. But so far it appears that her job is simply to say "stay or go home". I would have expected her to have more emcee duties. Maybe that will change as people are eliminated.

Davespectral

March 22nd, 2006, 04:25 AM

I just saw it. I have always had the most respect and love for Kristi, her skating, and her productions. It is beyond me what she was thinking involving this show. I think the people in this thread have nailed down all of it's many problems. As someone said, when I was watching it, I'm thinking the size of the rink was to cause problems for the skaters.
The look on the face of the lady who got voted off says it all. It needs a new title: "Skatings New Low."

kazenoyume

March 22nd, 2006, 04:36 AM

Kristi seems unscathed, jmho. Rudy, UGH. I love Rudy, but his Simon attitude here is such a turn off. Elvis was great. Friendly, and he seems a bit irked by Oksana and Rudy. Oksana was... okay, but she honestly didn't seem to know a lot of her terms. Huh?

A lot of the contestents got under my skin too. Have a little humility.

I'll probably keep watching out of curiosity.

kwawsome

March 22nd, 2006, 12:34 PM

but lets look on the positive....

hey..they're trying ok...lol.....give them a break...they saw an opportunity..and they went with it....it's a good try...

this is a first time...what did u expect....Rude rudy is just an act ok...i don't think he's like that in reality ....
got to do something to get attention....

but overall..i'm sure skating fans will continue to watch...i know i will..hahaa
:8

berthesghost

March 22nd, 2006, 01:15 PM

making money by drawing a crowd to watch a kangaroo court of hasbeens publically trash a desperate wannabee.
Trash the product, not the concept.

Project Runway, for example, is an excellent show and so undeserving of the ridicule you just heaped upon it.

Pro skating has been trashy since the git go, so I'm not surprised to see skating screw up what has been a well proven formula for TV success. And don't get me started on how Speedy has ruined the GPS.

Anywho, regarding this particular train wreck: I wonder why they got the judging panel so wrong.
A: only the least creative person would stick with the boy-girl-boy Simon/Paula/what'shisname formula without deviation, and
B: at least the other show made sense. A famous coach, a household name skater, a succesful tour promoter. Cover all bases and get varied viewpoints. Why 3 has-been pro skaters who can't get other jobs were trucked out for this show... well it's obvious that the producers are clueless.

kwanluv

March 22nd, 2006, 01:21 PM

I'm sure the "producers" of the show want a good judge, indifferent judge, and a jerky judge. That formula has certainly worked for American Idol.

That said, I went into it figuring that would be the case...it was, so I watched it once, but I won't watch it anymore.

The "fat" comment was uncalled for...especially in a sport where eating disorders are common. In addition, when Pasha and Rudy broke down into tears laughing at that one guy, I was so upset for him...speaking as a skater myself....it was just painful to watch. After his skate, he stood in front of them while both Rudy and Pasha were still giggling and wiping away tears.

That was just awful, and I turned it off.

*edited to add*
Just read BG"s post, and ITA...Project Runway is a wonderful example of a well-executed concept for a show of this type. Where as Skating's Next Star.....IMO is just bad TV.

lavender

March 22nd, 2006, 01:42 PM

Project Runway is at the top of the list of great reality shows. I would say there's about 5 good reality shows. All that other crap can go.

TinyIcicle

March 22nd, 2006, 02:29 PM

I don't get Women's Entertainment so I didn't see the show (which seems like a good thing in this case), but does Natalie Mecher seem to be the best? By far she has the most impressive resume. When I first looked at the entrants I thought it would be no contest for her, but since I didn't see the show I don't know.

shirleyprice1

March 22nd, 2006, 03:30 PM

Quite frankly ? I though it was tacky !

Scoobert Dieu

March 22nd, 2006, 05:38 PM

I feel bad for Kristi Yamaguchi that she's even associated with this mess of a show.

billob

March 22nd, 2006, 11:41 PM

They reran episode 1 tonight and next weeks TVG lists a rerun of next Mondays show on the following Wednsday so I guess we have at least two chances to catch each episode.

billob

March 22nd, 2006, 11:42 PM

TVG is listing reruns of the Monday show on Wednsdays

Revolennon

March 23rd, 2006, 05:09 AM

Bad. Just bad.

Rudy has managed to completely change my opinion of him from "eh.." to "no way." I don't know how he thinks he can tell these other people off, when if it weren't for his one national title that pulled him up from eligible no-mans land he'd probably be one of the contestants himself.

Pasha is ok but..is it weird that I expect an OGM to know the names of the elements? Other than that I couldn't believe how much she's changed since the last time she was on my radar, back in her Marilyn Monroe phase. The longer hair suits her immensely better than that short wig-looking 50's do ever did!

Elvis is like the one beacon of class in this whole mess. I actually kind of feel sorry for him having to be involved in shenanigans like this. It's so obvious that he could get better work. What's he doing nowadays, anyway? Has he stopped touring with COI? Last time I saw COI was in 2002 and I don't really keep up with it unless I have tickets.

berthesghost

March 23rd, 2006, 07:31 AM

I feel bad for Kristi Yamaguchi that she's even associated with this mess of a show.Yeah, but the other side of the coin is that she's awful as a host/MC. She comes off as flat, and shy and totally doesn't shine like star-hosts like Tyra do. Tyra acts like she's in complete control of that show. Kristi has that deer-in-the-headlights look the entire show, like it's osmethign that's hapenign TO her.

jenshan

March 23rd, 2006, 10:43 AM

watched the same program with disgust, rudy and pasha should be ashamed of themselves laughing at someone falling and kristi should not have allowed it either. I certainly would not watch another program with those two judging.

Krista

March 27th, 2006, 09:04 PM

Skating's next star is on WE right now.

Krista

March 27th, 2006, 10:49 PM

Rudy said this one guy skated well and he liked his program, and then he said "oh and you're hot", then Elvis goes 'im gonna have to agree, it was a good' and then Rudy cut in "you thought he was hot too?" LOL and Elvis goes "hey, y'know what, you're hot" :lol jokingly of course, then he went on with his critique.