Superfan Johnny Weir Talks Hosting New ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ Live Show

As the Eurovision Song Contest grand final gets underway, a new show offers viewers a unique look at the singing spectacular.

For the first time ever, the streaming service Peacock presents Watch with Johnny Weir: Eurovision Song Contest.

For those unfamiliar with Eurovision, here’s a quick reference guide, but, basically, European countries, and a few outliers, back specific artists who perform in the hopes of winning the competition, with the winning country taking home a trophy along with a healthy dose of pride.

The competition is known for its displays of over-the-top pageantry while highlighting the participating countries in unique fashion. More about these aspects of the show can be found here.

During the grand final show, using innovative technology, fans will be able to interact and ask Weir questions throughout the stream of Watch with Johnny Weir: Eurovision Song Contest.

Asked about new role as host of the show, Weir says, “I’ve been a huge fan of Eurovision for years and have been inspired by the music and pageantry and inclusivity since I first saw the show. “

Weir, a world renown athlete, two-time Olympian, and figure skating analyst for NBC Sports, says that in the past he’s used songs that he’s heard via Eurovision as the background music for his skating routines.

To secure the gig, Weir admits that he planted the seed last year while covering the Olympics. He says that while he was working remotely in Stamford, Connecticut, he was spending a lot of time with NBC executives, and that, “every time I passed someone in the hall, I whispered that I wanted to host Peacock’s coverage of Eurovision. Somehow, it all came together!”

While Weir is personally happy to be a part of the global event, what he’s really thrilled about is that, “Eurovision is reaching a wider audience and people can be inspired by it the same way I am. It really is the Olympics of song writing and opens us up to different cultures and style, and I love that.”

Given that Eurovision captures an audience with millions of viewers, Weir could be stressed about participating, but instead he says, “I feel that if you’re not nervous, then you don’t care. I get nervous for every performance but because of my time as a Eurovision super fan, I know the format and the facts and love being honest with [the] audience and laughing and crying along with them.”

Overall, Weir feels that, “The greatest thing I can be is myself and no matter what I’m doing, I can push through the nerves and find a way to make people smile. That’s why I’m an entertainer.”

He adds, “I am so honored to bring something I love and that inspires me to a wider audience than it’s ever enjoyed in America.”

‘Watch with Johnny Weir: Eurovision Song Contest’ airs on Saturday, May 13^th during the grand final of this year’s ‘The Eurovision Song Contest’ which takes place at 3pm ET/12PT on

The competition can also be viewed on the Eurovision YouTube Channel