- Joined
- Jan 23, 2004
I was fortunate to see I/B perform Mandy live and it was beautiful.
TV Alert--Nationals Exhibitions
- Thread starter Dee4707
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I was fortunate to see I/B perform Mandy live and it was beautiful.
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2004
That's what I've always thought. IMO he's a good commentator, though. The Evan/Tanith thing, I actually felt sorry for them (all of them actually).
There were times when I really disliked Kurt's commentary. Many times, he comes off as being flip or even rude. I totally despised the remarks he made about Johnny's life outside skating--they were a real put-down and didn't belong in a broadcast that was supposed to be about skating. He also praised Evan to the skies without mentioning (during the Men's FS) that he is Evan's choreographer. Talk about a conflict of interest.
I also hated the bits with Mirai Nagasu and Caroline Zhang. Mirai was clearly uncomfortable, although Caroline seemed in her element. Sometimes his banter with the girls came across as trying to create a rivalry between them. Maybe that wasn't what he intended, but that's how it looked to me. These are two 13-year-old girls!
I would much rather have Paul Wylie doing the commentary than Kurt. Paul isn't as much of a spotlight hog and he doesn't feel a need to make arch, 'clever' remarks at skaters' expense.
I also hated the bits with Mirai Nagasu and Caroline Zhang. Mirai was clearly uncomfortable, although Caroline seemed in her element. Sometimes his banter with the girls came across as trying to create a rivalry between them. Maybe that wasn't what he intended, but that's how it looked to me. These are two 13-year-old girls!
I would much rather have Paul Wylie doing the commentary than Kurt. Paul isn't as much of a spotlight hog and he doesn't feel a need to make arch, 'clever' remarks at skaters' expense.
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2003
they made mention of Kurt's choreography many times, and addressed it earlier in the season... no need to re hash every time - especially since we'd be complaining about that getting over exposed 
Kurt's newer to the commentary scene, the last time he had a job in the US he screwed up bad enough that he wasn't asked back lol... he is not the main 'expert' on ABC, that goes to Dick, and Dick is much more the mic hog. As such Kurt is relegated to finding whatever he can to say. He's said in many articles that he still feels that he's finding his way.
as for Paul - he takes the stance that he'll just not say it. I don't know what his opinions are on certain topics, but based on his talks at my church last year I can guess where he stands, and I don't think he'd sit well with many on here either lol
Kurt's newer to the commentary scene, the last time he had a job in the US he screwed up bad enough that he wasn't asked back lol... he is not the main 'expert' on ABC, that goes to Dick, and Dick is much more the mic hog. As such Kurt is relegated to finding whatever he can to say. He's said in many articles that he still feels that he's finding his way.
as for Paul - he takes the stance that he'll just not say it. I don't know what his opinions are on certain topics, but based on his talks at my church last year I can guess where he stands, and I don't think he'd sit well with many on here either lol
I know that Kurt's being Evan's choreographer was mentioned early in the season.
But the Nationals broadcast audience is not the same as the GP or cheesefest audience. During the Men's competition, Kurt should have mentioned right off the bat that he was Evan's choreographer, before praising Evan or dissing Johnny. Yes, I knew he was Evan's choreographer. But most of the viewing audience probably did not know that, and what they got was this commentator vastly preferring Evan over Johnny.
I was hopping mad at several of the nasty little digs at Johnny during the competition. It was way out of place and uncalled for.
I won't shed any tears in the future if we don't have Kurt hogging the spotlight (as he did during the exhibitions) and the microphone.
But the Nationals broadcast audience is not the same as the GP or cheesefest audience. During the Men's competition, Kurt should have mentioned right off the bat that he was Evan's choreographer, before praising Evan or dissing Johnny. Yes, I knew he was Evan's choreographer. But most of the viewing audience probably did not know that, and what they got was this commentator vastly preferring Evan over Johnny.
I was hopping mad at several of the nasty little digs at Johnny during the competition. It was way out of place and uncalled for.
I won't shed any tears in the future if we don't have Kurt hogging the spotlight (as he did during the exhibitions) and the microphone.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
Believe it or not, I would prefer Terry Ganon. He's been around sometime and his interest in learning the sport is quite obvious. to me now. He knows a quad when he sees one as well as convoluted spins and footwork going to the left and to the right. Like all of us I am sure he knows who is best at the whole package.
He has the voice for it and could be nudged by Paul who has such a droning voice. JMO
Joe
He has the voice for it and could be nudged by Paul who has such a droning voice. JMO
Joe
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2003
Kurt's inexperience did come out in his interviews with Caroline Zhang and Mirai Nagusu, but I felt sorry for him more than anything else. Interviewing children is not easy.
(Now if they'd just do Runaround Sue. 
)
Oh, no no no no no! Do Wah Diddy was super. I saw it live at Belbin and Agosto's charity event for the tsunami victims a couple of years ago. The music alone -- one of the all time great songs of any genre!!!!!Ravyn Rant said:
(Now if they'd just do Runaround Sue. )
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
I found his segment with Tanith, Evan and Ben to be the least enjoyable and awkward - does he practice?? He did ask the same questions they always ask, and Kids hardly ever know what to say to it, but Caroline and Mirai are so stinking cute I barely noticed Kurt was there.
They always steel the show (cute kids ) so it doesn't matter who asks them what. He might get better at it, he is a neat guy, but for now it is a point of his "talents" that is in desperate need of attention.
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- Joined
- Jun 27, 2003
none of the skating 'expert' commentators did well the first few years out...
some, like Scott, don't get to commentate 5-10 competitions out of a year and so they aren't as at ease in the roll as Dick and for the most part Peggy
Terry went to school to learn the ins and outs, that's why he's there to help those that have no real clue.
Dick, I'm sure, sucked when he first started out too. I personally still think he's extremely biased, it's just human nature...
Watching Scott Hamilton's commentary back in the 80s and comparing it to now, the only thing that is still annoying is his overly hyper shouts... he is much more at ease on the mic... Kurt has time to learn as well. Dick won't be around forever, ABC and ESPN know that... they've gotta get people trained now... (I see Paul getting the job if so desired more than I see Kurt... maybe Kurt will take Peter's spot, who'll get Paul's spot, who'll get Dick's spot...)
I say bring on more Kurt... he's not half as bad as some make him out to be...
some, like Scott, don't get to commentate 5-10 competitions out of a year and so they aren't as at ease in the roll as Dick and for the most part Peggy
Terry went to school to learn the ins and outs, that's why he's there to help those that have no real clue.
Dick, I'm sure, sucked when he first started out too. I personally still think he's extremely biased, it's just human nature...
Watching Scott Hamilton's commentary back in the 80s and comparing it to now, the only thing that is still annoying is his overly hyper shouts... he is much more at ease on the mic... Kurt has time to learn as well. Dick won't be around forever, ABC and ESPN know that... they've gotta get people trained now... (I see Paul getting the job if so desired more than I see Kurt... maybe Kurt will take Peter's spot, who'll get Paul's spot, who'll get Dick's spot...)
I say bring on more Kurt... he's not half as bad as some make him out to be...
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
Kurt is too hyper. Paul just drones away. Which former skater has a strong voice?
Joe
Joe
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2004
I like Robin Cousins voice and his commentary. He only does commentating work for the BBC so that's an hour for Europeans and an hour for worlds...plenty of time to work across the pond in commentating. I believe he has done some commentating on US TV before now.
Ant
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2004
I think Brian Boitaino could wear two hats as a commentator and interviewer. He has a good voice, speaks well and is respected in the skating community.
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- Jul 28, 2003
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2004
Me too, and it was. I hate that music with the passion of a hundred burning suns, but they did such a good job with it that I was able to put the Mani-loathing aside and just enjoy a wonderful skate.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2004
Oh, no no no no no! Do Wah Diddy was super. I saw it live at Belbin and Agosto's charity event for the tsunami victims a couple of years ago. The music alone -- one of the all time great songs of any genre!!!!!
The end of the program was cute, Mathman, I'll give you that much. And the song - in its two-minute original format - is also cute, and fun to sing. But that's as far as I can go here.
"Runaround Sue"...now that has some possibilities.
xoxo
Rave
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2004
And now that I'm done ranting about music choice...
...Browning's not that bad, you guys. Granted, the interviews looked awkward (especially trying to get Tanith and Evan to admit their alleged couplehood on camera), but his interview with Emily cracked me up. I've seen worse, but that's a whole 'nother thread.
I think some of my favorite men's coverage ever happened during Worlds last year, when Kurt, Paul and Terry worked together. Kurt wasn't quite so cocky and Paul wasn't quite so dull, and I really enjoyed the commentary. Perhaps Terry Gannon is the missing link. (Wait...that didn't come out right. But I'm leaving it in anyway because it made me laugh.)
Rave
...Browning's not that bad, you guys. Granted, the interviews looked awkward (especially trying to get Tanith and Evan to admit their alleged couplehood on camera), but his interview with Emily cracked me up. I've seen worse, but that's a whole 'nother thread.
I think some of my favorite men's coverage ever happened during Worlds last year, when Kurt, Paul and Terry worked together. Kurt wasn't quite so cocky and Paul wasn't quite so dull, and I really enjoyed the commentary. Perhaps Terry Gannon is the missing link. (Wait...that didn't come out right. But I'm leaving it in anyway because it made me laugh.)
Rave
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
The rink side interview with Em was a good point / interview. And I think there is time for Kurt to get better - he is not that good yet. It makes me appreciate Peter more.
I'll take Toni's POV. There is time and he'll get better. I like Kurt's voice better then Scott's anyway.
I do like Terry, his voice and his background being outside the FS world, I think are nice to have. Paul is another that talks "on his own" to much IMO. Suzy is the best IMO. Peggy and Dick both could learn to be more succinct. Less words from them - it is as though they have SeaniBu disease sometimes.
CZ and MN when they (Caroline) gave the segway to commercial I had to wonder again, do they "run thru" this stuff with anyone before - not the skaters - the commentators, Lighting crew, camera operators. It seems like they are not always on the same page IYKWIM (If you know what I mean).
:agree: Not that good either.
I'll take Toni's POV. There is time and he'll get better. I like Kurt's voice better then Scott's anyway.
He is half bad and half good right now LOL.
I do like Terry, his voice and his background being outside the FS world, I think are nice to have. Paul is another that talks "on his own" to much IMO. Suzy is the best IMO. Peggy and Dick both could learn to be more succinct. Less words from them - it is as though they have SeaniBu disease sometimes.
CZ and MN when they (Caroline) gave the segway to commercial I had to wonder again, do they "run thru" this stuff with anyone before - not the skaters - the commentators, Lighting crew, camera operators. It seems like they are not always on the same page IYKWIM (If you know what I mean).
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