Fan Interviews

Interviews from the 2006/2007 Season (Part 1)

(Johnny answers questions from his fans)

August 27, 2006

1.       (From Noria in California) Was your new LP, " Jerusalem ," influenced by current affairs in the Middle East ?

Conflicts in the Middle East are common place news in the US . Sometimes it seems like our country was built on fear of conflicts and often times those fears are cultivated in the Middle East . The actual inspiration came from the fashion world and a film. Marina Viacheslavovna saw 'The DaVinci Code' and I saw a Dolce and Gabbana ad with a model posing as a sort of modern Jesus. We brought those ideas together to tell a story, of "Jesus."

2.       (From Marie in Boston) Besides Evan, what other US competitor(s) do you feel will be your stiffest competition this season? Thanks! You were wonderful in COI Boston !

I'm really excited for this season's Nationals. There are so many new faces and so many good athletes. I of course, am always competing against myself first and foremost, but I really like Stephen Carriere's skating and Scott Smith. They are both strong and will give Evan and me a run for our money. Nobody is a sure thing.

3.       (From Shiloh in Michigan) Hello Johnny, I hope you liked your scrapbook! What are you looking forward to the most this season, and the least? Thanks Johnny!

I am looking forward to getting over last season. I had so many hard times and defeats and I don't want that again, so I get to move on with the new season. I'm really looking forward to showing a new side of my art as well. Marina Viacheslavovna did so well with my new programs and I'm so excited to rock with them and make her proud. I am not looking forward to being tired. I have a new work ethic in my brain and I will work very hard, but I will be tired for a while, but it's okay as long as I get the job done.

4.       (From Susan from California) Hi Johnny. Can't wait to see you win your 4th title!! Commentators always state that you are an "internal skater" meaning that you seem to go into yourself when you are on the ice. What you are thinking when you are out there? Are you thinking, "1-2-3-triple-toe" or are you adding up the points in your head? I actually think you are imagining yourself in a story and you are playing it out, not for yourself, but for us.

I try not to think at all. When you think you make mistakes and get cautious. I remember watching skating when I was younger, and Scott Hamilton was commentating and he said one of the best things you can do is skate stupid to minimize mistakes. By the time skaters go to compete, they are physically prepared, it's just nerves that make you doubt things. Case in point, my Olympic Games free program. When I skate, most of the time, I try to just let go.

5.       (From Nicole in Ohio) What do you, personally, like best about your skating?

I like that it's unique.

6.       (From Chris in NJ) Hi Johnny! What do you enjoy the most in your programs: fast foot sequences, spins, crossovers, jumps, etc.? Thanks and have a great season!!!

The best feeling is skating a clean free program and bringing it home with that last straight line step sequence. You know you did your best and you are putting on a fireworks display with that last sequence.

7.       (From Lisa in Delaware) Hi Johnny! Being a skater myself what is your favorite jump? I have been working on a few but my salchow is my best so far! Thanks for always amazing us! We all support you and hope you have a great season! We love you!

Triple Axel or triple lutz.

8.       (From Lila from California ) Hey Johnny! Ok so I wanted to know what is your favorite way to do your hair? And what are your thoughts on Christina's fairly new single "Ain't No Other Man"? Thanks a(From Lila from California ) Hey Johnny! Ok so I wanted to know what is your favorite way to do your hair? And what are your thoughts on Christina's fairly new single "Ain't No Other Man"? Thanks a lot!

I tend to be a in a constant state of displeasure with my hair, so I'm indifferent to all hairstyles. They did it nice for Blackbook though. I love Christina's new album. My favorite track is 'Hurt.'

9.       (From Tiphaine in France) Salut Johnny. Your French Fan Club (Weird Iced French Kiss) wants to know if you wear sleeping clothes. Merci pour tous les instants magiques que tu nous fais vivre. Bisous tous doux.

I don't wear pajamas.

10.   (From Abigail in Illinois) Hi Johnny! I couldn't help but notice that on your Favorites for your site in June you listed a restaurant from Louisville , Kentucky as your fave. Have you ever been to Louisville , and, if you have, did you like it? What was your favorite part? Thanks for taking time to do this for your Angels, and have fun this season - go win some titles!

Louisville was interesting. We weren't there long enough to see a lot, but that sushi restaurant was awesome.

11.   (From Larissa in Moscow) Privet, Johnny! I remember some time ago you said that one day you'd write a tell-all book about the world of figure skating. Were you serious about it and could you give a least a general idea of what you would like to write about? Thanks a lot!

I was totally serious. I just want to reveal a lot of mysteries from inside the skating world. My mom has also talked about writing a book for parents in sports so I would help her with that as well.

12.   (From Janice in Boston) Now that you have skated under COP for 2 seasons, how do feel about it going into the 3rd year? Do you feel you understand it better and are ready to make friends with it? Good luck and I can't wait to see you this weekend for COI!

I understand it better in my point of view. Nobody is on the same page with this system which really bugs me and makes things really unfair, but I'm ready to skate. I want to do my best with or without this new system, and I know I can do well with it, I just needed to learn how to not think about it.

13.   (From Pamela in Northern California) Hi Johnny - It seems working with Marina Anissina during the tour has cemented your Free Skate program, but you haven't said much lately about the Short Program. I know it's to be choreographed by Tarasova, so do you know yet where you'll be working with her - Newark or Moscow - and are you still planning on using music from an old program or something else now? Thanks for doing this for us during this busy time. You seem to be in a good place this summer and I can't wait to see you this weekend in the Bay Area. Here's hoping we get Desert Rose AND the My Way tux.

I just finished choreographing my short program. I did it in Newark with Marina Anissina. I didn't have enough time to go to Moscow and I know Tatiana Anatolievna is busy in Russia , so I knew I needed to make a decision. I didn't go back to an old program, we made something new and original. The program is called 'Chess.' The music is very recognizable, but not too much. It's not a war horse of skating music, but it has an interesting flow and the melody is beautiful. It's a club remix of a classical piece. It's not over the top techno though. It's very me and very fun and at this time in my life I want to take chances and this program will be a chance for sure. Marina Viacheslavovna is letting me wear rhinestones for the short!

14.   (From Sharon in New Jersey) Hi, Johnny! I loved your skating fashion segment from Olympic Ice during the Olympics and, since you're planning on being in the fashion industry, I have a fashion-related question for you. If you could choose one men's skating costume other than your own as your favorite, past or present, whose would it be and why? Best of luck to you this season, I'm looking forward to seeing your new programs!

Alexei Yagudin's Man in the Iron Mask costume. It was the costume of a champion. It was simple, elegant and strong all at the same time. Lyosha looked great in it and it helped his line look stronger and made him look very fit. It was my favorite for sure.

15.   (From Rosalia in Mexico) Hi Johnny! You're awesome!! How do manage to handle pressure yet continue to be yourself? Can you say some words to the Johnny Latina Angels? Thanks a lot and continue in that way!

Pressure from others is nothing compared to the pressure I put on myself so dealing with that is a piece of cake for me. I am myself because this is who I was meant to be in life and that's who I'll continue to be. Time changes people in all regards and some for better some for worse. I can't predict that so I just take it as it comes. Hola Latina Angels! Muchas gracias y te amo!

16. (From Judi from Fair Lawn, New Jersey) Hi Johnny, I wanted to know if you miss horseback riding and if you sometimes wonder what your life would be like if, when asked to make the choice, you had chosen horses instead of skating.

I do from time to time miss my old life. I always wonder what my life would be like if I made different decisions. I think I chose the right path, but you can never be sure I suppose. I'm happy with what I do and that's all that counts.

17.   (From Minju in Korea) Hi Johnny. Suppose that you have a treasure. That is most valuable so you can not live without that. And you don't want it lost. You can leave it in your home for safety, but if so, you can't see it when you’re away. You could keep it with you, but in that case, you may lose it. What's your choice? Leave it home or take it with you?

I would take it with me.

18.   (From Heather in Michigan) Hi Johnny, I hope the summer is treating you well, despite how busy it's been. When the tour is all finished, what is the very first thing you plan to do, once home?

I am home now thank God! My parents bought a house while I was on tour, so I went to see that on the second day. I gave my parents big hugs when they picked me and Marina up at the airport and I played with my dogs. The next morning I was in the rink working on my short program. So I'm still working.

19.   (From Julie Redbird in Washington, DC ) Hi Johnny! I noticed in some recent photos that you are wearing fewer pendants, have you put the others away for safe keeping or did they just get too numerous and heavy? Thank you.

Right now I only wear my Star of David, my Orthodox cross, and my imperial rouble. My other chain broke while I was in a hotel and I put them away for safe keeping. I will put them back on when the time is right. It's a very spiritual thing. When they fall off I have to wait until I'm ready to put them back on. I do feel lighter now though since I only have three.

20.   (From Sandra in France) Can Angels hope for an "Angel Discount" in your future fashion shops? Please don't forget your fans when you'll be a famous designer (it's all I wish you)!
Bisous, et M***E pour la prochaine saison (si, si, ça porte chance...)!

Of course my Angels get discounts.

21.   (From David from England ) Hi Johnny. You’re the best skater I have ever seen. You move my heart and soul when you skate and I think you fantastic of the ice too - always be proud of who you are. I have dyslexia and cannot see words but I can see and feel form and movement. When you’re skating, do you see and feel the movement before you do them (i.e., see each jump, each spin, as you skate with such great emotion and feeling)?

I feel things as they come. I don't predict or look forward to anything in my skating. I just do it.

22.   (From Carolyn in San Jose) Hi Johnny. Your COI performance in San Jose was wonderful! Your interpretation of "My Way" was awesome! And you looked like you were really having a good time. In another question list you mentioned having a past lives reading. I believe you have mentioned that one of them was a holocaust victim. If it not too personal, were there any other lives your reader suggested? Were any of them Russian? Also when will you premier "Desert Rose"?

Apparently I had three lives before I was in the camp and one of them was Russian. I premiered 'Desert Rose' this past weekend in a show at the Hampton IcePlex in Hampton , Virginia . It went over pretty well!

23.   (From Eun in Korea) Hi Johnny! It's great to ask a question to you again. You are always generous to fans!! Whenever I see your photos and video fluff recently, you are wearing BIG sunglasses. You look nice with them. But as a fan, it's not good because the sunglasses almost hide your good-looking face. So, do you have a special taste for sunglasses when you buy them?

I love oversized sunglasses. I think they're funny. I love fashion and all, but I like to have fun with it and huge sunglasses are a good way to look stupid, so it's just fun. I also have sensitive eyes and the more sun they keep, out the better.

24.   (From Jennifer in California) Hi Johnny! Do you have a favorite artist (painter or sculptor) either from the past or contemporary? And, if you had to choose one artist, living or dead to paint a portrait or create a statue of yourself, who would it be? Best of luck this season!

My favorite artists are Andy Warhol and Edvard Munch. I love 'The Scream' by Munch. I would have my mother do a painting of me. She knows me better than anyone in the world, and although she's not an artist, her portrayal would be the most real.

25.   (From Raluca in Romania) Hey Johnny! From all the exhibition programs you had, if you could choose one and dedicate it to someone you love what would that program be and why?

‘Yunona e Avos' because I would want to say I'm sorry for leaving and never coming back.

26.   (From Renate from the Netherlands) In the last Q&A you were asked what you'd like to ask us, and you asked how our support system affected us. If we could have an "Angels' Convention" somewhere in the world, what would you like the activities there to be? What would you like to do for fun with your Angels?

Angels already have conventions! If I were the master of ceremonies, I'd send everyone to Fiji to have drinks, go swimming, relax and get tan.

27.   (From Allect in Korea) Hi, Johnny! I'm from Korea and I went to Japan to see 'Dreams On Ice'! Your skating was just beautiful. I think you receive many gifts and letters from your fans and maybe they occupy quite many spaces. How do you store all of them? Do you have some special place for them? Thank you! And good luck in this season!

I try to find a place for everything. If I can't fit everything in my little house, I take things and send things to childrens hospitals because they certainly need a smile more than me! The first time I did NHK Trophy, I received so many flowers and sweets and toys and I didn't have any space in my luggage, so I sent a big box of things to a shelter housing victims from a recent earthquake. Generally though, I find a way for everything to have a proper home.

28.   (From Lisa in Houston) Johnny, I adored your segment on "The D-List" (though we all know you are totally A-list!). My question is .....did Kathy tell you ahead of time what she would be talking to you about or having you do or did you just 'wing it' ? Either way, you were a complete natural, can't tell you the last time I laughed so hard. Loved the spin with your arm behind your back, might we see that again some time? I'm sure you know that all of us Angels "get you", too!!!

I love Kathy. We didn't do anything scripted, everything was off the cuff. I was so nervous because I didn't want to say anything for her to have ammunition towards me, but she was so cool and down to Earth that I lost my nerves quickly. I invited her to the recent Champions On Ice stop in Los Angeles and she came with a bunch of her friends and I introduced her to everyone and she got her picture taken in the finale costume. It was great. I am also so proud of her for being nominated for an Emmy. It's awesome when people are genuine and talented and are rewarded for that.

29.   (From Susie in Portland) Hi Johnny. It was great to meet and chat with you at COI Portland . By the way, what kind of birthday cake do you like - chocolate or vanilla? Ha ha! Seriously, since the tour is so long this year, once home will you train or prepare mentally in a different way than in past seasons?

My favorite cake is red velvet. I will work. Now that I'm home I'm catching up on some much needed sleep and rest and with that I can work hard. The harder I work in the next four years, the better the outcome will always be. I want to be a champion, and I understand now more than ever, you have to work hard through blood sweat and tears to achieve it.

30.   (From Tania in Canada) Looking at your official site, I noticed most of your favourite songs and your favourite music artists are from the pop genre. Do you like other genres such as country or punk? Everyone has their guilty pleasures, what are yours? And what does music mean to you?

I love many different kinds of music. Country was okay when I was younger, but I don't like it too much anymore and I haven't gotten into the whole punk movement. My guiltiest pleasures are Cher , Eminem and Paris Hilton. I think Paris ' singing is so bad that it's cute. I admire Eminem as an artist and a performer and of course his confidence in himself. Cher is timeless through all of her surgeries and she's always on the cutting edge of knowing what people will love to talk about.

31.   (From Xrystal from Colorado) Johnny, thank you for you kindness to my brother and me at the COI show in Colorado Springs . You are always very kind and go out of your way for all of your fans. You also seem to remember a lot of your fans (names and or faces), or specific incidences that take place. How do you remember these when you meet so many people? Do you have any tricks?

I don't always remember and I feel terrible about that. I try to look people in the eye when I meet them, and actually meet them, not just shake hands and sign books. I'm bad with names, but faces I can do!

32.   (From Casey in Morris, Minnesota) Johnny - You have said in the past that you have been raised by your mom to say what you think and to do you thing. Do you ever regret it? Especially with the rumors that you have been passed by for a certain "press-friendly" skater. Do you ever wish that you could just go with the flow (especially if it hurts your career)? Also, thanks for signing those photos for my friend and I in Minneapolis COI! Did you ever get a chance to look at your present?

I never regret anything I say. Whether it's about drugs, my family, myself, other people, if it's mean or if it's too candy sweet, I stand by everything I say. I would never dumb myself down enough to actually be PC. I have thoughts about the world, other people, culture and life, and if I want to talk about, I'm entitled to my opinions. If being myself hurts my career, then I don't really care if I get a contract with Coca Cola or Reebok or have my face on a National Championship brochure. I want to be me in life and nothing and nobody will change that. If you have to achieve something by being someone you're not, then to me, it's not worth it. Do what you love and be happy. Money is just money, if you have a lot of it, it can be good, if you don't have a lot of it, life can also be good, but with that said, everything I've earned, I've earned it my way.

33.   (From Ray in Arizona) Hi Johnny! When you were in Japan, did you have an opportunity to see traditional Japanese art, paintings and architecture, if so, what was your impression?

I didn't have a big opportunity to go out and do lots of touring. I never have time to do that, and that's why it seems like I shop all the time! I do because it's right there and its easy. I would love to go to Kyoto and see the temples and shrines and everything.

34.   (From Vicky in Krefeld, Germany) Hey Johnny, first of all a huge thank you for the wonderful time at COI in Everett! I wondered if you could estimate how many cards/letters you have already received from your fans since you started competitive skating?

I know for sure it's near a million. I have the best fans of any skater I know of.

35.   (From Yoshi in Japan) Hi Johnny, just watched your DOI performance (on TV, sadly), and it was great to see you having fun. I hope to see you become World champion in Tokyo. Many people who attended DOI said you were so *nice* with the fans. And, you smelled nice, too. Now I'm curious. What kind of perfume do you wear? Do you always use the same one, or change it depending on the occasion? Thank you.

I change it every day. I like to smell good and there are lots of different colognes to do that with!

36.   (From Shoko in Japan) Hi, Johnny. You sometimes say you don't like airplanes. But airplane flight is inevitable for skaters. What do you do during long airplane flight?

I listen to my iPod, I write in my journal, I watch movies, I fall asleep and drool on complete strangers, you know, the usual. I do hate airplanes, but I love seeing the world and airplanes are the fastest way to do that.

37.   (From Katy in USA)   Hey Johnny - Why do you call Evan a mongoose? I think it's so amusing that you both have silly nicknames for each other...and I was quite curious as to what prompted you to choose "mongoose."

Oy! Okay so...Evan has called me Swan since the Olympics for obvious reasons, sometimes he even says 'Little Swan' in a Russian accent, but in general, Swan. He even got Tanith saying that. I call Evan Mongoose because at the Olympics we had a joke of always talking in Midwestern, Minnesota, Illinois accents and Mongoose sounds funny if you say it like that. Mongoose is also just a completely different animal than a swan, like Evan and I and it was a cute, funny nickname. Evan didn't know what a mongoose was, so I had to tell them it's a rodent that eats snakes like Riki Tiki Tavi and I think he got it. In any event, I have a strange sense of humor and I love that nickname.

38.   (From Esther in Texas) Hey Johnny! How are you doing? You are so interesting and such an inspiration! Besides skating and fashion, are there any other hobbies you have, or any other interesting and usual things you like to do? Keep on rockin' it!

I love to be a couch potato from time to time. I love crossword puzzles. I love studying statistics of completely random things like earthquakes, shark attacks around the world and so on. I love writing. One of my favorite hobbies though is organizing my closet. Everything is in order by season, designer and color. The hangers are also color coded. I'm really anal about order and cleanliness.

39.   (From Nancy in South Dakota) Best of luck to you on the upcoming season! I really enjoyed visiting with you on your birthday weekend in Minneapolis and Omaha! Which did you like better - the book or the movie - of The Devil Wears Prada and why? Also, what did you think of our Johnny's Angels Birthday Scrapbook and who did you show it to and what was their reactions?

The book was better because you can create your own ideas of sets, clothes and actors and in general the book was just more entertaining. I loved the scrapbook. Everyone really outdid themselves. I showed it to everyone on the tour. Marina said it was "ochen klassna e ochen horosho," Evgeny said "You have very good fans," Irina loved the page with her on it, Tatyana said it was beautiful, Mongoose made fun of me for all the swans and "heavy bird themes" and overall everyone loved it. I had to FedEx it home because it weighed so much, and Patti loved it too!

40.   (From Dorine in France) Salut Johnny! I've seen on your official website that amongst your favorite countries, after Russia, France and Japan, you put Norway. Why Norway? I know that you are more of a "winter-lover" person. So Norway being a Scandinavian country, that's logical! But why Norway over Finland, Sweden or Denmark? Merci pour ta réponse, bonne chance pour l'année à venir, avec Marina. bisous ! YOU ROCK !

Norway is where my ancestors are from and I have cultural ties to Norway. When I went I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the country and how clean and clear everything was. It was comfortable and I loved that.

41.   (From Sue in Georgia) Hi Johnny. You are always so generous with your fans, giving autographs, posing for photos, writing your wonderful journals, answering these Q&A, etc.
What can WE, your fans, do for you, e.g., is there anything we can do that we're not already doing, anything we could do MORE (like screaming your name at COI, LOL) or LESS of - that would help you in some way?

You guys do so much for me really. I couldn't ask for anyhting more. Your support is priceless and it makes things easier knowing I have Angels on my side!

42.   (From Janina in Germany) Hi Johnny! I'm happy that you sound so confident concerning the upcoming season (and rightly so, I would say!). What would you say is the source for your determination and confidence right now? Just keep it up!

Marina Anissina. Everyday on the tour she watched me practice, and pushed me to be better. After every performance she gave me pep talks and told me good things and things to work on. She went skating with me on her days off so we could make incredible programs. I went through some heartbreaking changes in my personal life and she was right there to talk and listen to what I had to say. She has been there already. She already made herself a champion which is something I want very much so I can learn from everything she says or does. She made sacrifices to be what she is, and I have too. She is someone I can relate to totally, and someone I believe in. I trust her which is something I don't come by often. She has been a real inspiration for me and I want to make her proud as much as myself. She took a chance on me, knowing I was her first elite skater to choreograph for and I am so appreciative of that. She has made be believe in myself again and that's what I needed. In addition to being tremendously talented, she has become a very close friend and that above all else pushes me to be better.

43.   (From Yuki in Maryland) Hi, Johnny! It was very nice to see you when you came to Washington DC for COI. As always, you were very kind to your fans! Why do you often wear a bodysuit type costume? You said that it is difficult to put on since it is tight. Have you thought of trying more loosely-fit costume?

Truthfully because they're easier to deal with. If it's all connected, I won't loose a piece of the costume somewhere between here and Japan. It's also easier before I skate with shaking hands and sweaty palms to just slide on a costume without worrying about hooks and zippers. In any event, they give my body symmetry and a good line. Baggier clothes aren't flattering for my skating or body type. I'm thin too, which is good to accentuate in skating through smooth body suits.

44.   (From Anthony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Hi Johnny! Thanks so much for offering to answer more fan questions! I wanted to ask you a question about your taste in films. Did you watch the Oscars this year? If so, were there any films or performances that you were rooting for? I was so incredibly captivated by the film "Capote" - did you have any favorites from the year? Thanks, and always remember that the Angels are behind you 100% as you enter the 2006/2007 season!

I bought it, but I haven't seen it yet. I'm looking forward to that rainy day. I did watch the Oscars because I was doing fashion critiques for a local paper. I loved Crash and was happy it won. I liked Brokeback Mountain too, and the actors were great so I was rooting for them. I also was rooting for Reese Witherspoon. In general I don't like her, but her performance in 'Walk the Line' was perfect.

45.   (From Juju in Japan) Hi, Johnny! I wonder who taught you Japanese? And what is your favorite word? Thank you.

Fumie Suguri taught me the words I know in Japanese. Kawaii is my favorite word.

46.   (From Louisa in USA) What was your favorite birthday present?

My mom got me a Japanime watercolor that I'd been admiring for a long time. I was so excited to receive it and I didn't even know she knew I wanted it! It was a nice surprise. Marina also got me a very cool leopard print Cavalli shirt that I love!

Read more fan Q&A's with Johnny:

2007/2008 Season

2005/2006 Season (Part 3)

2005/2006 Season (Part 2)

2005/2006 Season (Part 1)

2004/2005 Season (Part 2)

2004/2005 Season (Part 1)

2003/2004 Season (Part 2)

2003/2004 Season (Part 1)

2002/2003 Season

2001/2002 Season