By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Milan, The 2026 Winter Olympics reached a glittering crescendo this past weekend, but the most talked-about moment occurred away from the rigid scrutiny of the judging panels. On Saturday, February 21, the Mediolanum Forum transformed from a theater of high-stakes competition into a vibrant celebration of contemporary culture during the Figure Skating Exhibition Gala. While the event is traditionally a space for athletes to let loose, American figure skating sensation Alysa Liu turned her performance into a definitive cultural crossover, skating a high-energy routine to the remix of "Stateside" by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. The performance served as a victory lap for the 20-year-old phenom, who had already secured her place in the history books earlier in the month.
Dressed in a custom, shimmering blue outfit that caught the arena’s spotlights with every rotation, Liu delivered a program that felt more like a music video than a traditional skating exhibition. The choice of "Stateside"—a standout track from PinkPantheress’s critically acclaimed 2025 mixtape Fancy That—signaled a departure from the classical or theatrical scores that often dominate the ice. By leaning into the stuttering breakbeats and ethereal melodies of UK garage, Liu bridged the gap between the heritage of winter sports and the pulse of modern dance music.
The connection between the skater and the musician is far from a casual one. In the lead-up to the gala, Liu had been vocal about her admiration for the British songwriter and producer. Speaking with Olympic and Paralympic correspondent Raymond Braun in a widely shared interview last week, Liu didn’t hesitate when asked about her musical influences, labeling PinkPantheress as her "favorite artist." This wasn’t merely a polite nod to a popular star; it was a testament to the influence PinkPantheress has exerted over a generation of young listeners who find solace and energy in her unique blend of drum and bass, jungle, and alt-pop.
The admiration, it turns out, is mutual. During the same interview, Braun surprised Liu with a personal message of encouragement from PinkPantheress herself. The artist, known for her soft-spoken but profound lyrical depth, expressed a deep-seated respect for the discipline of figure skating. "You are so inspiring," the singer told Liu. "When I was younger, I was obsessed with figure skaters, so you are literally living my dream. Thank you so much for the love." This exchange highlighted a rare moment of synergy where two pioneers at the top of their respective fields—one on the ice and one in the recording studio—acknowledged the shared "dream-like" quality of their careers.
Liu’s deep dive into the PinkPantheress discography was further evidenced earlier this month when she participated in a feature for Pitchfork. Reviewing the artist’s 2023 debut studio album, Heaven Knows, Liu awarded the record a "Perfect 10." She described the music as an essential part of her competitive mindset, noting that the tracks provide a specific kind of mental clarity. "It gets me hyped up, and it gets me in the zone," Liu told the publication. "It’s just very inspiring." For an athlete who has faced immense pressure as a former child prodigy and a leader of the U.S. figure skating team, the "inspiring" nature of PinkPantheress’s music seems to provide a necessary emotional anchor.
The gala performance was the "cherry on top" of what has been a historic Olympic run for Liu. After a brief hiatus from the sport earlier in the decade, her return to the world stage in Milan was nothing short of dominant. She leaves the 2026 Games with two gold medals: one for her breathtaking performance in the women’s singles event and another for her pivotal role in securing the top spot for the United States in the team competition. These victories have cemented her status as one of the greatest American skaters of her era, but it is her personality and her willingness to bring her genuine musical tastes to the rink that have endeared her to a global audience.
The Exhibition Gala itself is a unique fixture of the Olympic schedule. Held after the medals have been awarded, it serves as a non-competitive showcase where the world’s best skaters can perform without the constraints of technical requirements or scoring systems. It is a gift to the fans and a chance for the athletes to express their artistic identities. By choosing a UK garage-pop track, Liu highlighted the evolution of the sport, moving it toward a more contemporary, youth-oriented aesthetic that resonates with the TikTok generation.
While Liu was making waves on the ice, PinkPantheress has been enjoying a period of unprecedented professional success. The 2026 Grammy Awards saw her receive two prestigious nominations, including Best Dance/Electronic Album for Fancy That and Best Dance Pop Recording. These nods from the Recording Academy represent the culmination of a journey that began with viral snippets on social media and has evolved into a sophisticated, genre-defying career. Her ability to sample classic dance tracks—such as her viral hit "Illegal," which samples Underworld and earned a nomination at DJ Mag’s Best Of British awards in 2025—has made her a darling of both pop fans and electronic music purists.
The remix of "Stateside" used in Liu’s routine is a perfect example of this cross-pollination. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Swedish pop star Zara Larsson, the track takes the skeletal, atmospheric production of the original and adds a layer of polished, international pop appeal. It is a song that feels both intimate and expansive, much like Liu’s skating style, which combines technical precision with an infectious sense of joy.
PinkPantheress’s recent work also shows a deep respect for the roots of the UK electronic scene. Just last month, she collaborated with the legendary MJ Cole to reimagine his 1998 garage classic "Still Sincere." By working with the architects of the genre, she has validated her place within the lineage of British dance music while simultaneously pushing it forward. This duality was also present in her 2025 remix album, which featured contributions from a diverse array of heavyweights, including Nia Archives, Kaytranada, and Basement Jaxx.
For the audience in Milan and those watching around the world, Liu’s performance was a reminder of the power of art to transcend its medium. As she glided across the ice to the syncopated rhythms of PinkPantheress, the distinction between "athlete" and "artist" blurred. The 2026 Winter Games will be remembered for many things—the fierce rivalries, the record-breaking scores, and the chilly Italian nights—but the image of Alysa Liu, draped in blue and skating to the sound of the future, will remain one of its most enduring highlights.
As the lights dimmed on the Mediolanum Forum, it was clear that the "dream" PinkPantheress spoke of was being realized in real-time. Through her skates, Liu gave physical form to the music that has fueled her journey to the top of the podium. In doing so, she didn’t just win gold; she won the hearts of a new generation of fans who see themselves reflected in her choices. Whether it is through a perfectly landed triple axel or a flawlessly produced breakbeat, both Liu and PinkPantheress are proving that the most powerful performances are those rooted in genuine passion and a refusal to be confined by tradition.