"Music rights for a single song can be split between numerous artists, companies and other figures. Being a top-level skater means trying their best to secure permission and then hoping there's no last-minute objections. Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate's Minion problem is especially complex because his short program is a medley of four different songs from the franchise. He has three of the four cleared as of Wednesday and is working on permission from Pharrell Williams for the fourth, Glenn said."
"We have tried our hardest to get everything clear, do what we can, and honestly, a producer could just decide, Hey, never mind, no,' Glenn said. I'm honestly just seeing, from what avenues I have available to me, that it is clear and then I'm just hoping and praying that I don't get an email saying, By the way, they reached out and they said they don't want you to use it.' So I think it's been a very strenuous process for many of us."
"Glenn says she's happy to leave it to her team to ask permission for music. Her U.S. teammate, men's gold medal contender Ilia Malinin, tries a personal touch. It's something that we all worry about, and for me especially, I like to make really unique pieces of music that I skate to, Malinin said. Amber Glenn reacts after competing during the women's short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)"
Figure skaters face the risk of losing rights to music used in their Olympic programs due to complex licensing and last-minute objections. Amber Glenn promised Minions-themed Olympic routines but worries a producer or rights holder could withdraw permission at any time. Music rights for single songs can be split across multiple artists and companies, making clearance strenuous. Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate cleared three of four Minions songs and is seeking Pharrell Williams' approval for the fourth. Skaters vary in approach: some leave rights clearance to their teams while others prefer personal outreach to secure unique music.
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