CNN
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As a former Olympic determine skater, Johnny Weir loves a very good competitors.
It’s even higher when it’s the Eurovision Track Contest, he instructed CNN, as he’s a self-proclaimed superfan of the annual competitors.
“This contest has impressed me for a few years,” he mentioned. “I’ve really taken among the songs and carried out them on the ice.”
Weir will probably be internet hosting and offering commentary for the semi-finals and finals, streaming solely on Peacock within the US.
He’s used to working with NBC, Peacock’s guardian firm, offering commentary for determine skating competitions. Weir is gliding into his Eurovision duties, which begin Tuesday.
“I do know for some folks may be an odd leap to place a determine skating commentator on the Eurovision tune contest, however that is completely straightforward peasy, natural,” he mentioned. “I’m such an enormous fan that I’m simply going to be queening out the entire time with all people else at house.”
The annual competitors pits singers, who should carry out reside, from taking part international locations towards one another and has grow to be a worldwide phenomena.
Viewers from taking part broadcasters can vote for his or her favourite tune, however not for their very own nation. There’s additionally a jury of pros. Votes from the skilled juries and viewers are then mixed to issue into the performers rating.
Well-known previous winners embrace the group ABBA and singer Celine Dion.
Weir loves the pageantry, politics and showmanship of Eurovision.
He mentioned he believes one of the poignant moments on this yr’s competitors goes to come back from the the folk-rap band Kalush Orchestra, who’re representing Ukraine which is at the moment combating towards Russian occupation.
“I believe the message that the artists from Ukraine are sending is we’re right here, we’re robust and we’re Ukraine,” Weir mentioned. “They’re performing with conventional Ukrainian devices with conventional Ukrainian costuming.”
“The tune was initially created for the [one of the ]artist’s mom,” he added. “And it’s now grow to be a tune which means a lot to everything of Ukraine and to each Ukrainian mom going by these darkish occasions.”
Whereas it’s a European competitors, Weir guarantees that People watching will discover a contestant to root for.
He mentioned he’s partial yearly to the entry from Norway, as he “is Norwegian by blood,” whereas additionally pulling for Iceland, and, this yr, Ukraine.
Weir has been following the competitors for the reason that starting and mentioned he’s going to strive to withstand the urge to sing alongside.
“They’re turning my mic off throughout the precise performances, so perhaps I can sing a alongside,” he mentioned, laughing.
The primary semi-final occurs Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET. The second semi-final is Thursday at p.m. ET, adopted by the grand closing at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday,