U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu recently dazzled fans at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships with a new free skate set to music by Lady Gaga. However, there’s uncertainty about whether this routine will make it to the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026.
In a chat with Gracie Gold from Olympics.com, Liu shared more about her exciting performance. She indicated that the Gaga program might not be part of her Olympic routine. “I don’t even think I’m going to do it at the Olympics. But I always wanted to perform MacArthur Park for the individual free skate event,” Liu said.
Liu initially debuted her Lady Gaga routine in September. The program evolved due to music rights issues. “I wanted to use the orchestral version of ‘Bloody Mary,’ but you can’t just take someone’s version from YouTube,” she explained.
Although she completed the Gaga routine in time for the December Grand Prix Final—where she won with her MacArthur Park performance—she chose to showcase the Gaga program at the U.S. Championships instead. “I trained MacArthur Park a couple of times a week, but mostly focused on the Lady Gaga program,” she noted.
When it comes to her Olympic plans, Liu remains committed to performing MacArthur Park. She’s even designing a new dress that maintains her signature metallic style but with a fresh twist.
Looking at recent trends, athletes are increasingly choosing music that resonates with them personally, which can enhance performance. A survey by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association found that 45% of skaters believe that their music choice plays a crucial role in their routine’s success. By staying true to her vision with MacArthur Park, Liu is embracing this dynamic while adding her unique flair.
According to the International Skating Union, personal expression in skating is more critical than ever. As these trends unfold, we can only watch with anticipation to see how Liu’s vision will translate to the Olympics.
For more on Liu and her journey, check out Olympics.com.
