U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu performed a gala program at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy [1].
The performance highlights the artistic evolution of the gala event, where athletes transition from the rigid requirements of competitive scoring to expressive, choreographed storytelling.
Liu skated to the song "Stateside," a collaboration between artists PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson [1]. The routine was designed as a showcase of her technical skill and artistic interpretation on the ice during the Olympic festivities in Italy [1].
As a gala program, the routine does not carry a competitive score but serves as a celebratory exhibition for the audience and fellow competitors. These performances often allow skaters to experiment with music and movements that would be too risky or unconventional for the short program or free skate.
Liu's presence at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games continues her trajectory as a prominent representative of the U.S. figure skating community [1]. The event in Italy provided a global stage for the athlete to blend contemporary music with traditional skating elements, creating a visual experience described by observers as striking [1].
While the competitive segments of the Games focus on precision and difficulty, the gala is the primary venue for skaters to connect emotionally with the crowd. Liu's choice of modern pop music reflects a broader trend in figure skating to incorporate current cultural hits to engage younger audiences.
“Alysa Liu performed a gala program at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games”
The use of contemporary pop music in an Olympic gala program signals a shift toward modernization in figure skating. By selecting tracks from artists like PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson, athletes like Liu are bridging the gap between classical athletic tradition and current global music trends, potentially expanding the sport's appeal to a digital-native generation.
