Starr Andrews: Get to Know the History-Making Figure Skater
November 14, 2022
Starr Andrews is the new face of U.S. figure skating!
On Monday’s episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Jennifer interviewed the 21-year-old athlete, who made history this year as the first Black U.S. figure skater to place at the Grand Prix, a series of international skating competitions.
During their chat, Starr discussed her impressive second-place finish and how she was awarded a glass medal. However, Starr said she won’t carry the fragile award around.
“I don’t trust myself. I’m very clumsy,” Starr said. “I don’t want to drop it. It’s so special. I will admire it and not mess it up.”
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View StoryCheck out the best moments from her interview, below:
Starr on Her History-Making Feat
In the interview, Starr explained to Jennifer that the Grand Prix consisted of six competitions in different countries, including the U.S., France, Great Britain, Japan, Finland, and Italy.
She added that the international competition only allowed skaters that placed high enough in the previous ISU World Figure Skating Championships.
Starr competed in the Canadian competition and placed second, a groundbreaking accomplishment!
“Amazing. I can’t even put it into words,” Starr told Jennifer about her historic finish.
“I was freaking out,” she added. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I placed. Oh my God, I placed!’”
Starr on Going Viral at Age 9… with Help from Willow Smith
When she was only 9 years old, a video of Starr doing a routine to Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” went viral — amassing over 57 million views.
“I was having so much fun,” Starr said about her performance. “I wanted to skate to [“Whip My Hair”] so bad. I love this and Willow Smith.”
Starr added that her mom and grandmother created her fabulous outfit.
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View StoryStarr on Why You Won’t Find Her Roller Skating
When Jennifer asked Starr if she has roller skated, she said, “I tried, but I’m not very good.”
Noting its difficulty, Starr explained, “In figure skating, you have one blade, while in roller skating, you have four wheels.
“You don’t have the freedom to go in and out,” she added. “If you turn on roller skates, you could get stuck because you have four wheels.”
Starr on the ‘Easiest Trick’ in Figure Skating
During the interview, Starr taught Jennifer the “bunny hop,” typically one of the first jumps figure skaters learn when they’re starting out.
“Don’t hurt me now,” Jennifer hilariously said.
In the demonstration, Starr started on her left leg, jumped up, landed on her right leg, and pushed out with her left.
“Did I do something?” Jennifer said after attempting.
“That was it!” Starr exclaimed.
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” airs weekdays. Check your local listings.