Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu may be known for her technical precision on the ice, but music plays an equally important role in shaping her performances. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with host Andy Cohen, the champion figure skater spoke about the songs that have influenced her routines, and the artists she hopes to skate to next.
One of the most memorable choices in Liu’s career came with Donna Summer’s iconic song MacArthur Park. Liu revealed that the track was originally suggested to her rather than discovered on her own. After listening to it, she found a 16-minute suite version that gave the music a dramatic and cinematic feel. That extended arrangement ultimately became the foundation of her freestyle program, matching the emotional intensity of her performance.
The decision proved significant. Liu’s routine to “MacArthur Park” helped lift her from third place to the top of the podium, earning the gold medal in women’s individual figure skating. The performance also sparked renewed interest in the classic disco track. Following the routine, the song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Digital Song Sales chart, becoming Donna Summer’s fourth posthumous chart-topping single.
Music from Liu’s skating programs has repeatedly created ripple effects beyond the rink. Her gala performance to Stateside by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson led to a noticeable spike in streaming numbers shortly afterward. Similarly, when Liu used Promise by Laufey for her short program, the track gained more than a million additional streams within days. The moments highlight how figure skating performances can give songs a second life with global audiences.
During the interview, Liu also shared a list of songs she would love to skate to in the future. Her picks reflect a wide range of influences, from classical music to alternative pop. Among them are Fire in My Heart by Escape From New York, Chihiro by Billie Eilish, Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Star by Mitski. At the top of her list is another PinkPantheress track, Capable of Love.
Liu also shared that PinkPantheress personally reached out to her after seeing the skater perform to “Stateside,” a moment that clearly resonated with the athlete.
Her freedom to choose music is intentional. Liu stepped away from competitive skating in 2022 at just 16 years old before returning to the sport with a new perspective. When she made her comeback, she set one clear condition with her coach: she would select her own music. That decision has allowed her routines to reflect her personality and musical taste more directly.
With the 2030 Winter Olympics already on the horizon, Liu’s musical choices could once again shape unforgettable skating moments. If her current inspirations are any indication, future programs may continue blending athletic brilliance with unexpected and culturally influential soundtracks.
