U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu may have captured the attention of audiences and critics alike with her exhilarating new free skate, but she confirmed that her performance set to Lady Gaga‘s music is very unlikely to make an appearance at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Liu recently shared her thoughts during an exclusive interview, expressing her strong preference for a classic program titled MacArthur Park, solidifying her intentions for the Olympic stage.
“I don’t even think I’m going to do it at the Olympics,” Liu stated candidly about her flashy Lady Gaga venture. “But I really wanted to do it once at least… I always wanted to do MacArthur Park for the individual free skate event,” she added, confirming her dedication to the assessment of music rights and artistic expression.
The talented 20-year-old skater debuted the Lady Gaga routine at the U.S. Championships, showcasing her versatility and creativity. Originally, the program was to include the track Bloody Mary, but Liu faced significant challenges in securing the rights. “At first, I wanted the orchestral version, but… you can’t just use someone’s orchestral version of ‘Bloody Mary’ off YouTube,” she explained, clarifying the complexities that altered her musical choices.
Although Liu was preparing for both plans, she chose to spotlight her powerful MacArthur Park during the competition, stating, “I was training MacArthur Park like two times a week, but the rest of the time it was the Lady Gaga program.” This decision came as she focused on refining her iconic style and performance skills ahead of crucial competitions.
With her sights set firmly on Milano, Liu deemed it crucial to stick with her long-held program preference. She foreshadowed an updated costume design, hinting at a more contemporary metallic aesthetic. As the Olympic Winter Games approach, Liu’s journey underscores the commitment required to excel in professional figure skating. The anticipation for her final Olympic program continues to build, particularly as her artistry elevates the sport.
