American figure skater Alysa Liu has become one of the most talked about athletes online this week after her appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics and exhibition gala set social media abuzz. Clips of both her competition routine and her playful gala performance have spread across platforms, with fans praising her energy, music selection and distinctive skating style.
Alysa Liu and her performance that took the internet by storm
The 20-year-old Olympic champion drew particular attention with her gala routine in the States, a remix collaboration between PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. The performance quickly became a trending topic online, turning the routine into one of the most shared Olympic moments of the year.
Liu first impressed spectators during the women’s figure skating competition, where she secured Olympic gold, a major milestone in her career. Soon after, she returned to the ice for the Milan Olympic Exhibition Gala, a non-competitive showcase where athletes perform more creatively and experiment with music and choreography.
Her gala routine immediately stood out. Skating to an upbeat Stateside remix, Liu delivered a relaxed yet technically sharp performance that mixed athletic precision with pop-inspired choreography. According to reports, she closed the gala program with a routine, earning loud applause from the live audience and widespread praise online.
The performance quickly went viral, with clips circulating on TikTok, Instagram and fan forums. Many viewers described the routine as “fun” and refreshing, highlighting how Liu’s personality shined through her skating. In Reddit discussion threads, fans celebrated the choice of music, with one user commenting: “Such a fun choice for her! Ice skating is always a good time.”
The “state” moment is becoming a trend
Song choice played a major role in the popularity of the routine. Released in 2025 as part of the PinkPantheress remix project, the Stateside + Zara Larsson remix was already streaming before Liu’s performance introduced it to a wider sports audience.
After the gala, the track saw renewed interest online, with fans sharing cuts, slow motion clips and renditions of Liu’s choreography.
Both PinkPantheress and Larsson responded positively to the performance on social media, further amplifying its reach and connecting pop music culture with the figure skating fandom.
Music and sport increasingly overlap in exhibition skating, but Liu’s routine stood out because of how naturally the performance matched the rhythm and mood of the song. Critics and fans alike noted that her confidence and playful expression helped make the program instantly memorable.
The comeback story is gaining momentum
Liu’s growing popularity also reflects her unusual career. After retiring from competitive skating in 2022, she returned to the sport in 2024 and has since staged an impressive comeback that culminated in Olympic gold and renewed global attention.
Her recent performances have reinforced her reputation as a skater who combines technical skill with individuality. From her competition program to her viral gala routine, Liu has demonstrated a willingness to experiment with modern music and personal artistic choices—a quality that resonates strongly with younger audiences online.
