Facing The Music: Copyright Controversy In Olympic Figure Skating

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina delivered two unforgettable weeks of historic performances, and figure skating once again proved it is one of the event's crown jewels. However, one of the most talked-about stories, on and off the ice, was the music copyright controversy that affected athletes from various countries.

Music is a vital component of every figure skating routine. While judges submit scores based on technical skill and athletic prowess, they also take into account emotional elements and how a performance makes an audience feel. Music plays an undeniable role in stirring those emotions, and teams often choreograph and tailor performances to accompany certain musical numbers.