Alysa Liu, the American figure skating sensation, has left fans in a frenzy with her recent performance at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. But here's the twist: her captivating free skate routine set to Lady Gaga's music might not make its way to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
In a revealing chat with Gracie Gold for Olympics.com, Liu shared her thoughts on the fate of her Gaga-inspired program. She admitted that it's unlikely to be her Olympic choice, despite its recent success. But why? Liu has her heart set on a different routine for the big stage.
"I have other plans for the Olympics," Liu hinted. "But I wanted to perform this Gaga routine at least once. I've always envisioned skating to 'MacArthur Park' for my individual free skate event." The 20-year-old's determination to stick to her dream routine is admirable, but it leaves fans wondering about the future of the Gaga program.
The journey of this routine has been a rollercoaster. It debuted in September with Gaga's 'Bloody Mary' but faced challenges due to music rights. Liu explained, "I wanted the orchestral version, but it's not that simple. You can't just use any version you find online." So, the routine evolved, shedding its original musical elements.
Despite being ready for the Grand Prix Final in December, Liu chose to save the Gaga program for the U.S. Championships. She dedicated most of her training to 'MacArthur Park,' leaving the Gaga routine for special occasions.
When it comes to Milano Cortina, Liu remains steadfast in her decision: "'MacArthur Park' has always been my Olympic vision." She's even planning a redesigned costume, keeping the metallic theme but with a modern twist.
And this is where it gets interesting: while Liu's focus is clear, the final decision on her Olympic routine lies with the National Olympic Committees. They hold the power to select athletes to represent their countries at the Games. So, will Liu's Gaga program get its Olympic moment? Only time will tell.
But what do you think? Should athletes have the final say in their Olympic routines, or is it a team decision? Share your thoughts in the comments!
