Around the holidays, most students spend their time relaxing and watching TV. This Thanksgiving, freshman Annie Mae Weiss did that as well—but when she watched TV, she was watching herself.
Weiss and her father, two-time Olympic figure skater Michael Weiss, performed in the Musselman’s Apple Sauce Family Skating Tribute this month, with Annie Mae singing while her father did a skating routine. The show featured renowned skaters such as Kristi Yamaguchi and Nancy Kerrigan, and the skaters’ children.
“We went to Phoenix, Arizona to tape the show in front of a live audience,” said Annie Mae. “After it was edited, it aired on NBC.”
Annie Mae, who has been singing for seven years, sang “Don’t You Remember” by Adele. She described the taping experience as “really cool,” especially since it gave her the opportunity to meet renowned country singer Jewel.
“Although I have performed thousands of times, this was one of my most memorable performances. I was more nervous than normal, as I did not want to mess up her moment on TV,” said Mr. Weiss.
Annie Mae takes private voice lessons once a week and is also a member of the Langley treble choir. She has already recorded two songs— Adele’s “Don’t You Remember” and “God Help the Outcasts” from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Her dream is to write and record her own songs in the future. “I want to be famous one day,” she said.
Her father is no stranger to the spotlight, either. He’s won three national figure skating championships, competed at the Olympics twice and toured with Stars on Ice. He is retired from performing now, but he still commentates for NBC Sports’ Grand Prix of Figure Skating and runs the Michael Weiss foundation, which awards scholarships to promising skaters.
Even with all of his accomplishments, Weiss makes sure to put his family first. “I gladly juggle my schedule to meet the now hectic schedules of my kids,” he said. “I think Annie Mae has a gift of a beautiful voice, and she can take it as far as she likes. She has a natural ability to perform her best under pressure.”