"Catching up with Johnny Weir"Sitting on a plane in Las Vegas about to depart for home, Johnny Weir had a few minutes to chat with us about judging the Miss USA Pageant, his first song, and meeting Cher.
Johnny, everyone is talking about your "bird jacket" that was styled by Rachel Zoe (stylist to celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson). Tell us about the jacket:"It was pretty giant. It was supposed to be kind of funny. I was judging a pageant - I wanted to have fun and make a statement."
читать дальшеWho were your favorite contestants?
"Miss Michigan for her presence and Miss Pennsylvania because she's from my state and she's beautiful."
Best evening gowns? Miss Colorado is a figure skater and her dress had the most beading, did that sway your vote?
"My favorites were Alabama, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Leave it to a skater to wear more sparkle. We saw a small video on each contestant beforehand and every judge turned to me [when Miss Colorado mentioned figure skating]. Judges cannot personally know any of the contestants, but I met her after and she is sweet."
What was it like to judge instead of being judged?
"It was different. Most people think it's about crazy families and girls practicing their smiles, but it's more than that. It was like judging the Olympics. Girls have worked their whole lives for this and the title can change their life. [Judging] is a big responsibility. There is money and a lot at stake."
Before the pageant you were in Los Angeles recording your first song, "Dirty Love." How was that experience and what can you tell us about the song?
"I really sing and without a lot of tuning. I know I'm not a legitimate singer and I won't have a long career in music, but I enjoyed it..."Dirty Love" is a dance/pop track. I hope it will be released mid-summer. It is about my relationship with people and the media. You scratch each other's backs and then go for the throat. This is me talking back. I'm smarter than I get credit for and I can beat you at your own game."
You went to see Cher at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and tweeted that you met her after the show. Did she inspire any upcoming costumes or music selections?
"She is a true professional. She's in her sixties, singing live and still rocking hot pants. I was having second thoughts about wearing the [bird] jacket, but after [seeing Cher] I decided to wear it."
Will we see you competing this fall in the Grand Prix Series?
"I'm enjoying life. I want to skate, but if I am not prepared for next season I will let my fans know at the beginning of the summer. Worse comes to worse I will take next year off and re-asses."Weir is taking a week to spend time with close friends
before he heads to Russia, Australia, and Japan this summer.
Between the red carpets, recording a song, and a book deal, the three-time U.S. champion is certainly giving Olympic champ Kim Yu-Na a run for her money.
(с)WUT?