Alysa Liu, the 2026 Winter Olympic Champion, has recently captured the spotlight not just for her remarkable skating skills but also for her unique connection to the music industry. At just 20 years old, Liu has become a viral sensation, thanks in part to her distinctive personal style, her bold attitude towards her sport, and her eclectic taste in music.
One of the most notable highlights of Liu’s recent performances is her choice of music for her Olympic program, which featured Donna Summer’s iconic disco track, ‘MacArthur Park.’ This song, originally released in 1978, has seen a resurgence in popularity, climbing into the top 10 on US iTunes, as reported by X. Liu’s choice not only showcases her artistic vision but also revitalizes a classic hit for a new generation.
In addition to her Olympic triumph, Liu’s performance at the World Championships to ‘Promise’ by Icelandic artist Laufey further solidified her status as a rising star. Winning first place at this event marked the beginning of her ascent in the figure skating world. The two artists met at a concert in September 2025, where Laufey honored Liu as ‘San Francisco’s best dressed guest’ while she wore her Olympic medal and costume from her ‘Promise’ program.
Following her Olympic victory, Laufey publicly celebrated Liu during a concert in Zurich, expressing her admiration for how Liu brought new life to her song. This collaboration highlights the powerful intersection of music and sports, where both artists can inspire and uplift each other.
Most recently, Liu performed at the Olympic Exhibition Gala, skating to the ‘Stateside’ remix by PinkPantheress featuring Zara Larsson. This performance quickly went viral, with Larsson herself reacting positively on TikTok, where her post about the event garnered an impressive 12.5 million views in just one day. The enthusiasm surrounding Liu’s performances indicates that her influence extends far beyond the ice rink, making her a significant figure in both the sports and music realms.
