Three-time U.S. National Figure Skating
champion John G. “Johnny” Weir's ode to Lady Gaga wowed the crowd
on Monday's premiere of ABC's Skating with the Stars, the
reality show that pairs celebrities with professionals from the world
of figure skating.
The 26-year-old Weir performed a
spectacular routine before joining former figure skater and
television commentator Dick Button and Lady Gaga choreographer Laurie
Ann Gibson at the judge's table.
Weir's routine set to Lady Gaga's Poker
Face drew thunderous applause. (The video is embedded in the
right panel of this page.)
“I'm big on technique, but I'm even
bigger on flare,” Weir, who
was named Diva of the Year by gay glossy Out
and is known for his daring
– some would say flamboyant – style, said on
the show based on the BBC hit Dancing on Ice.
“I have a huge love for my sport and
my craft and what these people are trying to bring to my sport,”
Weir added. “But at the same time if they are not doing it right,
I'm going to tell them.”