Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu recently offered a candid glimpse into her musical preferences and future skating aspirations during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. The decorated figure skater, who has captivated audiences with her powerful performances, discussed the unexpected discovery of disco queen Donna Summer’s iconic hit "MacArthur Park" and revealed a curated list of songs she envisions for her upcoming programs, including another track by emerging artist PinkPantheress.
A Musical Journey to Gold
Liu’s journey to Olympic glory has been marked by bold artistic choices, and her music selection has played a pivotal role. Her decision to skate to Donna Summer’s "MacArthur Park" for her gold-medal-winning freestyle program was a strategic and deeply personal one. The 16-minute epic, a lesser-known version of the disco anthem, resonated with Liu, offering a complex and dramatic soundscape that allowed her to showcase her artistry and technical prowess.
"I was recommended by someone to listen to that song," Liu shared with host Andy Cohen. "Then I found a 16-minute suite version, and it took it to another level." This elevated version of the song proved to be a powerful catalyst, propelling Liu from third place to the top of the podium in the women’s individual figure skating competition. The performance not only secured her a historic Olympic medal but also breathed new life into Summer’s classic.
"MacArthur Park" Soars Again
Liu’s masterful performance of "MacArthur Park" had a significant impact on the music charts, underscoring the powerful synergy between athletic artistry and popular music. Following her Olympic triumph, the Donna Summer track experienced a resurgence, topping Billboard’s Dance Digital Song Sales chart. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the late disco legend, granting her a fourth posthumous No. 1 hit.
The success of "MacArthur Park" is a testament to Liu’s ability to connect with an audience through her music choices. It highlights how contemporary athletes can not only push the boundaries of their sport but also influence cultural trends and reintroduce timeless music to new generations. The chart success of a 16-minute disco suite on a digital sales chart demonstrates the enduring appeal of classic tracks when paired with compelling artistic interpretation.
The PinkPantheress Phenomenon and Chart-Topping Performances
Beyond the disco era, Liu has also championed contemporary artists, most notably PinkPantheress. Her choice of PinkPantheress’s track "Stateside" for her closing gala performance at the Olympics led to an impressive surge in the song’s popularity. The day after her performance, "Stateside" saw an 88% increase in streams, a clear indicator of Liu’s influence as a tastemaker.
This isn’t the first time Liu’s skating has been instrumental in charting success for an artist. Earlier in the competition, her short program set to Laufey’s "Promise" garnered substantial attention. In the four days following her performance, the song accumulated 1.3 million streams, further solidifying Liu’s impact on the music landscape. These instances illustrate a growing trend where athletes’ artistic selections directly translate into significant commercial success for musicians.
A Peek into Liu’s Future Music Repertoire
During her Watch What Happens Live appearance, Liu elaborated on her musical tastes, sharing a highly anticipated list of her top five songs for potential future skating programs. This curated selection offers a glimpse into the diverse range of music that inspires her and hints at the emotional and thematic depth she aims to convey in her performances.
The runner-up songs on her list included "Fire in My Heart" by Escape From New York, a testament to her appreciation for driving, energetic beats. She also cited Billie Eilish’s "Chihiro," a track that reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing her interest in contemporary, chart-topping hits with an edge. The timeless elegance of classical music was also represented by Tchaikovsky’s iconic "Swan Lake," a piece that has long been a favorite in figure skating. Adding a touch of indie-pop sensibility, Mitski’s "Star" also made the cut, demonstrating Liu’s broad musical palette.
However, Liu’s ultimate musical ambition for her next program centers on another PinkPantheress track: "Capable of Love." This choice underscores her strong affinity for the artist’s unique sound and suggests a continued exploration of her music for future competitive endeavors. The possibility of hearing more PinkPantheress on the ice is an exciting prospect for fans of both the skater and the musician.
A Personal Connection and a Coach’s Trust
The conversation also revealed a personal connection Liu has forged with PinkPantheress. Liu excitedly shared that the artist reached out to her after her "Stateside" performance, expressing her appreciation. "She’s so nice," Liu commented, highlighting the positive and supportive exchange between the two artists. This interaction further emphasizes the collaborative spirit that can emerge from the intersection of sports and music.
Liu’s return to competitive figure skating in 2023, after a hiatus since 2022 at the age of 16, was predicated on a set of conditions presented to her coach. A crucial element of these terms was her right to select her own music. This stipulation reflects her commitment to artistic expression and her belief that music is an integral component of a compelling skating performance. Her coach’s willingness to grant her this autonomy speaks volumes about the trust and respect within their partnership.
The Evolving Landscape of Athletic Performance and Music
Alysa Liu’s choices highlight a broader trend in professional sports, particularly in artistic disciplines like figure skating, where music selection is no longer merely a backdrop but a central element of the narrative and emotional arc of a performance. The ability of athletes to influence music charts and forge direct connections with artists is a relatively new phenomenon, amplified by the pervasive reach of social media and digital streaming platforms.
Liu’s influence extends beyond the ice. Her music selections have demonstrably boosted the careers of artists, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both athletes and musicians. As she looks towards future competitions, including the potential of the 2030 Winter Olympics, fans can anticipate more innovative and impactful music choices. Her continued advocacy for artists like PinkPantheress suggests that her impact on the music industry will likely continue to grow. The combination of her athletic prowess and her discerning musical taste positions her as a significant cultural figure, shaping not only the sport of figure skating but also the broader cultural conversation around music and performance. Her journey is a compelling example of how athletes can leverage their platforms to champion diverse artistic expressions and connect with audiences on multiple levels.
