Skating's Next Star

Skating's Next Star is a reality television show that began airing on the WE tv on April 26, 2006.

Premise

Twelve Professional Skaters competed for the first place prize $25,000, a feature article in International Figure Skating Magazine and a one-year contract management contract with Major League Figure Skating. The show gained notoriety on the Today (NBC program) show which featured Natalia Kanounnikova setting the Guinness World Records for being the fastest spinner on ice. She set the record in episode 2. The Series was created by CEO of Major League Figure Skating and Former United States Figure Skating Judge, Jon Rubin.

Cast

The show is hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist, Kristi Yamaguchi. The Judges are Olympic Silver Medalist Elvis Stojko, Double Olympic Gold Medalist Oksana Grishuk and World Bronze Medalist, Rudy Galindo.

Men skaters

Sergey Meller, West Townsend, MA
Scott Corbin, Clinton Township, MI
Emanuele Ancorini, New York, NY
Chris Thombs, Portsmouth, RI
Eric Bohnstedt, Orlando, FL
Dusty Brinsmade, Detroit, MI

Ladies skaters

Natalia Kanounnikova, Florida
Kristin Dority, Providence, RI
Kristen Treni, Punta Gorda, FL
Ashley Clark, Colorado
Natalie Mecher, Vernon Hills, IL
Jessica Meller, West Township, MA

Reception

In a negative review, Jessica Shaw of Entertainment Weekly wrote, "How does one butcher a reality show about figure skating? Start by assembling a lifeless host, a petty panel of judges, a lame prize, and a group of contestants with lackluster moves and bland backstories."