Stars on Ice U.S. 2018

[seabm7]

Considering the cast of the US Stars on Ice are relatively new to the scene, I think they are doing pretty good. I do not know IMG's long term plan on Stars on Ice. But I do hope this year's tour is profitable, so they can build the momentum to continue and mature with the cast.

 

[VGThuy]

SOI these days is more like COI with a smaller cast and more group numbers. It is what it is. To complain about the cast is just way for certain loser fans to attack skaters they have an issue with on an irrational personal level because of their off-ice personalities, probably mostly to do with their open critique of Trump and LGBTQ rights advocacy.

 

[Spun Silver]

SOI these days is more like COI with a smaller cast and more group numbers. It is what it is. To complain about the cast is just way for certain loser fans to attack skaters they have an issue with on an irrational personal level because of their off-ice personalities, probably mostly to do with their open critique of Trump and LGBTQ rights advocacy.

You're making a lot of assumptions here! If Trump supporters boycotted left-leaning skaters we wouldn't have many skaters to watch. I think we're pretty used to separating skating from politics.

 

[VGThuy]

You're making a lot of assumptions here! If Trump supporters boycotted left-leaning skaters we wouldn't have many skaters to watch. I think we're pretty used to separating skating from politics.

Not everyone. I obviously wasn’t talking about you.

 

[Spun Silver]

Not everyone. I obviously wasn’t talking about you.

I know, but I still don't agree with your analysis.

 

[Sylvia]

Here's a clip of Meryl/Charlie's "Elastic Heart" program with the scarf from the Fort Lauderdale show yesterday afternoon: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVlsvUHeMK/

First (short) clip, aside from the opening, I've found of the Maia/Alex/Adam trio: https://twitter.com/Drieazu/status/983090376289464320
ETA a 2nd clip: https://twitter.com/annafly13/status/983536213742313472

1-minute clip from the "You Will Be Found" part of the group finale: https://twitter.com/Drieazu/status/983200976050978817

Some nice photos taken by ciprycanovi yesterday:
Nathan dancing with Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhUxnOJg37L/
6 more of Nathan/Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVhtvmAlJp/
Nathan (4): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVebf9A55P/
Mirai (2): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVf_W5AV4A/
Madi/Zach (4): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVgctGAw4P/
Closeup of Zach in finale: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVgmWGAuDD/
Shibutanis (2): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVhFBVAh8I/
Adam (7): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhViQ-Xg4yO/
Karen (7): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVilzTAaD6/
Ashley (5): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVi9Mbgfwj/
Bradie (6): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVjSfXAhga/
Jason (6): https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVjxx4AQCs/

ETA this this is a cute set of post-show meet and greet photos (all 13 skaters are visible): https://twitter.com/cammers14/status/983141868614676480

ETA #2 - @seabm7 identified one of Karen Chen's new programs as "Never Enough" (from The Greatest Showman) in the first clip here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVJDQLl8Iu/
Other clips (Fort Lauderdale show) are: Jason's "The Room Where It Happens"; Mirai's "Body Language"; Shibutanis' "That's Life"; Ladies' number to "Dream"; Adam's "Remedy"; Bradie's Cinderella; Nathan's "Back from the Edge."

 

[Tinami Amori]

SOI these days is more like COI with a smaller cast and more group numbers. It is what it is. To complain about the cast is just way for certain loser fans to attack skaters they have an issue with on an irrational personal level because of their off-ice personalities, probably mostly to do with their open critique of Trump and LGBTQ rights advocacy.

Is not that what Left/Democrats and Hollywood is doing to artists and athletes who a) support Trump, b) just simply wanted to take a gig at Trump's events? Or are you of an opinion that "what the Left is doing is justice" and "what the Right is doing is a travesty" while both doing the same?

Trump as anti-gay, is a left-wing fake news invention, or a far fetched argument for sake of sensationalism.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

To each their own, but the chance to see Nathan's quads, the Shibs' twizzles, Meryl and Charlie's partnering, Madi and Zach's sizzle, Jason's joy, Adam's attitude are well worth the ticket price for me. I'm a sucker for even the cheesiest, most ragged group numbers when the skaters are having a blast. I get a huge kick out watching the little kids in the crowd freaking the hell out at seeing their idols. SOI isn't the Olympics or Art on Ice, but it is just what I need after the of a long season. Take my money and bring it on.

 

[VGThuy]

Is not that what Left/Democrats and Hollywood is doing to artists and athletes who a) support Trump, b) just simply wanted to take a gig at Trump's events? Or are you of an opinion that "what the Left is doing is justice" and "what the Right is doing is a travesty" while both doing the same?

Trump as anti-gay, is a left-wing fake news invention, or a far fetched argument for sake of sensationalism.

My point is that some of the specific bad-mouthing of the cast from Frau Mueller is stemming from her anger at Adam and Ashley based on their public and politically-tinged statements and activities outside of skating with her calling the cast a group of losers and whiny, etc. A very single example and situation.

And yes, the vocal left on social media that goes after any right-wing or any lefty celeb that made a "mistake" has been critiqued often, even by those on the left who don't like the mob mentality that happens on Twitter, Tumblr, etc.

 

[Tinami Amori]

My point is that some of the specific bad-mouthing of the cast from Frau Mueller is stemming from her anger at Adam and Ashley based on their public and politically-tinged statements and activities outside of skating with her calling the cast a group of losers and whiny, etc. A very single example and situation.

And yes, the vocal left on social media that goes after any right-wing or any lefty celeb that made a "mistake" has been critiqued often, even by those on the left who don't like the mob mentality that happens on Twitter, Tumblr, etc.

For the record, the same "anger" is streaming against C. Hicks... and in case of Ashley, she made far too many comments against entities and on issues OTHER than US politics, and disliked by many gay skating fans in spite of her pro-LGBTQ stands.. . Adam on the other hand stuck to one point, which concerns him directly, even if did PR-ed it a little bit..

But anyhooo... got your point.

 

[Spun Silver]

@VIETgrlTerifa, I actually thought you were talking about someone else.

 

[mollymgr]

My only pet peeve is these white costumes. Can they break away from tradition and get rid of white costumes altogether? It doesn't flatter anyone, even amazing athletes. It would be nice if they could rotate choreographers to infuse some fresh ideas. In the end, most skating shows these days look the same (opening number, closing number, ladies number, mens number, misc. group number, individual skating in between) whether it is SOI or shows in Japan etc. Most skaters are available only for a few days during the off season. They will all be perfect by the time they reach Portland on May 20. It is one of the last remaining skating shows in the US so I hope it sticks around for a few more years. It is fun to see not only the skating but the camaraderie between these athletes who have worked so hard.

 

[Sylvia]

SOI music is published by skater here: http://www.starsonice.com/music.html

[Karen's second solo] "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)" by Dua Lipa
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhSzPetFlNB/

Thanks for IDing her song. Here's a longer clip from the Orlando show: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVBTZXls3o/

3 more videos from Orlando:
Ashley (switches back and forth among her various solo & group numbers): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmvTBy-PkBo
Nathan (4T at the 30-second mark; dance group number with Ashley; brief SP clip): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ilmXU23Co
Finale (2 mins+ to end of "You Will Be Found"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kPoPNkJaQ

ETA:

Mirai's new program is to "No Good Deed" (from Wicked) performed by Idina Menzel -- here's a brief clip from the Fort Lauderdale show: https://twitter.com/drieazu/status/983199799511011328

 

[Jaana]

Posted by Livetoskate:

Did Jeremy go to college? It seems rare for skaters to have much of a pro career after age 30 though. It was surprsing to see Ilia Kulik skating in some shows in Japan in the past few years.

Kulik won his Olympic gold medal in Nagano in 1998, so it is not so suprising that he gets invited there.

 

[laviemn]

It would be nice if they could rotate choreographers to infuse some fresh ideas. In the end, most skating shows these days look the same (opening number, closing number, ladies number, mens number, misc. group number, individual skating in between) whether it is SOI or shows in Japan etc.

It seems like Jeffrey Buttle has a death grip on these jobs. Why not try John Kerr? His programs for James/Cipres have spread beyond the skating world. Why not try a choreographer from the dance world, like Art on Ice? Travis Wall might be too busy/expensive but I bet there are many talented people who are affordable and would jump at the chance.

 

[Sylvia]

For those who get NBCSN, the one-hour-long SOI highlights show, taped in Orlando, is starting now.

ETA link to the thread in TV Alerts: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...adcast-april-14-on-nbcsn.103763/#post-5350049

Some NBCSN videos:
Ashley's "I am Here": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocPkk9AHIOA
Meryl/Charlie's "Elastic Heart": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs1YQfzSfUY
Mirai's "Body Language": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6optjSdqzQc
Nathan's "Back from the Edge": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLm1xsjqBms
Maia/Alex's "Fix You"/"Paradise": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2LXfUagMW4
Karen's "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=632TNXQabrc

This is the program order of the show (+ = shown on NBCSN's broadcast today):

Act I
+“Raise Your Glass” P!nk Cast
“Never Enough” (from The Greatest Showman) Loren Allred Karen Chen
+“The Room Where it Happens”* Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Jason Brown
+“Body Language” Queen Mirai Nagasu
+“Fix You/Paradise” Coldplay Maia & Alex Shibutani
“Dream” Priscilla Ahn Karen Chen, Mirai Nagasu, Bradie Tennell, Ashley Wagner
“Remedy” Adele Adam Rippon
“Cinderella” Patrick Doyle Bradie Tennell
+“Back from the Edge” James Arthur Nathan Chen
+“Make me Feel”* Janelle Monáe Madison Hubbell & Zach Donohue
+“I am Here” P!nk Ashley Wagner
“Hold my Hand” Jess Glynne Meryl Davis & Charlie White

Act II

“Shape of You” Ed Sheeran Meryl Davis, Madison Hubbell, Ashley Wagner Nathan Chen, Zach Donohue, Charlie White
“Can't Stop the Feeling!” Justin Timberlake Jason Brown
+“Blow Your Mind (Mwah)” Dua Lipa Karen Chen
“Across the Sky/Caught out in the Rain” Rag 'n' Bone Man/Beth Hart Madison Hubbell & Zach Donohue
“No Good Deed” (from Wicked) Idina Menzel Mirai Nagasu
“Feel it Still” Portugal. The Man Jason Brown, Nathan Chen, Zach Donohue, Adam Rippon, Alex Shibutani, Charlie White
“This is Me” The Greatest Showman Original Soundtrack Bradie Tennell
+“Let me Think about It” Ida Corr vs. Fedde Le Grand Adam Rippon
“That's Life” Frank Sinatra/Jay-Z Maia & Alex Shibutani
“La La Land” Original Soundtrack Ashley Wagner
+“Elastic Heart” Sia Meryl Davis & Charlie White
“Nemesis” Benjamin Clementine Nathan Chen
+“You Will be Found” Dear Evan Hansen Original Broadway Cast Cast

 

[skatfan]

For those who get NBCSN, the one-hour-long SOI highlights show, taped in Orlando, is starting now

This is the program order of the show (+ = shown on NBCSN's broadcast today):

For some reason, even though I set the DVR through Comcast, nothing recorded (SF Bay Area), and elsewhere, someone with DISH in this area had the same thing happen. Grrr.

 

[love skating]

^My DISH timer went away as well, I turned on my dvr in the morning and said "hey what happened to my scheduled timer?" and reset it to record. But I found that previously when I set the timer it was called Figure Skating and had a very generic description. This morning it said Stars on Ice and had a detailed description with skaters' names etc. So I guess when DISH changed the description of the show it took off our earlier timers...grrr is right. Thankfully I was home to catch it. So sorry for those who didn't!

 

[Debbie S]

For some reason, even though I set the DVR through Comcast, nothing recorded (SF Bay Area), and elsewhere, someone with DISH in this area had the same thing happen. Grrr.

I set to record with my Comcast DVR and it didn't record either. Sometimes this happens when a program is available On Demand, but I don't see it on the menu. Maybe it will show up tomorrow? I don't understand it, I've never had a problem recording NBCSN before. I can't copy the recording to DVD, Comcast blocks it, but I can at least get it on my DVR.

ETA: I see love skating's post above...I didn't think the name mattered, as long as you set to record the specific time. I remember during Nats this year, they changed the men's FS to NBCSN from NBC and when I set it to record before leaving for San Jose, the sched had something else listed, but it did record the program. Hmmm.

 

[skatfan]

^My DISH timer went away as well, I turned on my dvr in the morning and said "hey what happened to my scheduled timer?" and reset it to record. But I found that previously when I set the timer it was called Figure Skating and had a very generic description. This morning it said Stars on Ice and had a detailed description with skaters' names etc. So I guess when DISH changed the description of the show it took off our earlier timers...grrr is right. Thankfully I was home to catch it. So sorry for those who didn't!

That must be what happened. And you can’t tell it to record that time and channel no matter what - at least from my DVR. Remind me why I haven’t cut the cord yet Comcast!

 

[Garden Kitty]

I enjoyed the tv broadcast today. Meryl and Charlie grow nicely into the classic SOI skaters of a few years ago like Kristi, Paul, Scott, Kurt and Ilia). They keep up their technical skills, always give 100% to a performance and use their show skating to explore their artistic side. Adam, Jason, Nathan, Ashley and Mirai are all charismatic skaters who know how to perform to a crowd. Madi and Zach add a bit of spice to the show. Maia and Alex are always so classy and precise on the ice. I wish the show were at an arena closer to me, I'd like to be able to bring my Mom to a show so she could see some of these skaters live.

 

[Garden Kitty]

sorry, double post

 

[paskatefan]

I was pleasantly surprised by the broadcast in that we actually got to see quite a number of full programs (not just snippets as was done a number of seasons ago). My only disappointment - one of Bradie's programs should have been shown (come on, she's our National Champion & finished 6th @ Worlds) Looking forward to seeing the Hershey, PA show live this coming Friday.

 

[RAReinecke]

Camera questions for anyone who has been to the show: are they letting cameras in? Are cameras with removable lenses being questioned? I have a great seat for Hershey and lenses that are within the SOI policy, but would prefer to avoid a hassle.

 

[mollymgr]

Mine didn't record either. Maybe the recording was disabled since everyone across DISH, Xfinity had the same issue. It would totally make sense if they wanted people to go out and buy tickets to see the live show instead of replaying it on their DVR.

 

[BittyBug]

I attended last night's show. I always preferred Champions on Ice fan to SOI, and I honestly can't remember if I ever previously attended SOI in person, but I have seen it on TV and have always been pretty "meh" about it, so I was surprised by how much I thoroughly enjoyed the show. (At this point, I think it's probably more of a blend of COI and SOI - more emphasis on solo numbers but still using (briefer) group numbers as transitions.)

The guys were all spectacular and really held the crowd. Their highlights for me were (in order of appearance):

Adam Rippon's number to Adele's Remedy - expressive, emotional and engaging.

Jason Brown's Jason Timberlake number - this program embodies everything that is Jason Brown - the showmanship, the details, the enthusiasm - he brought down the house.

Nathan Chen - I was actually most impressed not by his solo numbers but by his skating in the group men's number from the second half. I've seen Chen live in competition so I know he's has great command of the blade, but what struck me seeing him in this show was what incredible command he has over his entire body. His dance training is obvious in his use, connection and coordination of any and all body parts (vs. some skaters who can use their upper body or their lower body but not really the two together), all almost incidentally supported by masterful blade work. So I walked away from this show thinking of Nathan not so much as a skater but as a dancer who also happens to skate.

Other highlights were:

Mirai Nagasu. I don't watch a lot of exhibition skating so maybe she's always like this in shows, but I was stunned by her extroversion. In competition, I find that she sometimes seems to freeze up, turn inward, and stiffen a little in between jumps. Here she coyly played with the audience and really performed. I hope we'll see more of this side of her on Dancing With the Stars.

Meryl and Charlie, especially their scarf number to Adele. Their experience was evident in their performance quality, which was spell binding.

Ashley's La La Land. Stunning, sigh, and if only.

The Shib's edited free skate.

But everyone was very good, despite some tumbles (there seemed to be one sticky spot in the ice or maybe it's just coincidence that both Nathan and Adam happened to fall in the same place, both while doing footwork - I thought the Shibs also had a problem in the same place but wasn't sure). I was also surprised by the level of technical content, with all of the single skaters going beyond triple toes and salchows, to also include at least a triple flip or lutz, and a few triple loops as well (Ash and Mirai that I remember). And this despite the handicap of skating on a smaller than usual surface due to the on ice seating.

If you are on the fence about attending I would encourage you to go. I'm glad I went.

 

[Sylvia]

Thanks for sharing, @BittyBug! How did the audience numbers in Providence look to you?

Jason Brown's Jason Timberlake number - this program embodies everything that is Jason Brown - the showmanship, the details, the enthusiasm - he brought down the house.

Here's a good quality video of Jason's "Can't Stop the Feeling"/Timberlake program from one of the first 3 Florida shows (thanks for finding/posting the link, @katmari!) -- he does 4 consecutive Russian split jumps to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd: https://vimeo.com/263979250

The same person also filmed the "Shape of You" dance group number: https://vimeo.com/263967488

 

[BittyBug]

Thanks for sharing, @BittyBug! How did the audience numbers in Providence look to you?

The lower level seemed just about full, and there were also people in the sky boxes and a few people here and there in a few places in the upper level. I tried to estimate the number of attendees and came up with a figure of about 5,000. Whatever the number, the crowd was quite enthusiastic.

ETA: And Brown's 4 Russian splits in a row are extremely effective. The Russian split is such a wow move that I always want to see another one. Four in a row was just a terrific punctuation to his program. (And that's something that Jason seems to intuitively understand - when the give the audience more of what it wants.)

 

[VGThuy]

From the reactions on social media by the skaters, it seems like the Providence crowd was amazing.

 

[BittyBug]

I forgot to mention that they started the second half with a group number of local skaters, which was a nice touch. The group seemed to have a wide age range and included one very young looking boy who seemed certain to be a little hotshot. At any rate, it was a nice connection to the larger skating community and a terrific opportunity for the local skaters.