Olympic champion Alysa Liu trends worldwide after viral ‘Stateside’ gala performance
Alysa Liu's performances at the 2026 Winter Olympics, particularly her gala routine set to a PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson remix, have gone viral, earning her widespread acclaim for her energetic and expressive skating style, marking a significant moment in her career.
American figure skater Alysa Liu has become one of the most talked-about athletes online this week after her performances at the 2026 Winter Olympics and the exhibition gala set social media alight. Clips of both her competitive routine and her playful gala performance have spread widely across platforms, with fans praising her energy, musical choices and expressive skating style.
Alysa Liu and her performances that set the internet talking
The 20-year-old Olympic champion has drawn particular attention for her gala routine set to Stateside, a remix collaboration between PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. The performance has quickly become a trending topic online, turning the routine into one of the most shared Olympic skating moments of the year.
Liu first impressed audiences during the women’s figure skating competition, where she secured Olympic gold, marking a major milestone in her career. Soon after, she returned to the ice for the Olympic Exhibition Gala in Milan, a non-competitive showcase where athletes perform more creatively and experiment with music and choreography.
Her gala routine stood out immediately. Skating to the upbeat Stateside remix, Liu delivered a relaxed yet technically sharp performance that blended athletic precision with pop-inspired choreography. According to reports, she closed the gala programme with the routine, earning loud applause from the live audience and widespread praise online.
The performance quickly went viral, with clips circulating across TikTok, Instagram and fan forums. Many viewers described the routine as “fun” and refreshing, highlighting how Liu’s personality shone through her skating. On Reddit discussion threads, fans celebrated the music choice, with one user commenting: “Such a fun choice for her!! The skating gala is always a good time.”
The ‘Stateside’ moment becomes a trend
The song choice played a major role in the routine’s popularity. The Stateside + Zara Larsson remix, released in 2025 as part of PinkPantheress’ remix project, had already gained streaming traction before Liu’s performance introduced it to a broader sports audience.
Following the gala, the track experienced renewed online interest, with fans sharing edits, slow-motion clips and recreations of Liu’s choreography.
Both PinkPantheress and Larsson reacted positively to the performance on social media, further amplifying its reach and connecting pop music culture with figure skating fandom.
Music and sport increasingly overlap in exhibition skating, but Liu’s routine stood out for 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 programme instantly memorable.
A comeback story gaining momentum
Liu’s growing popularity also reflects her unusual career path. After stepping away from competitive skating in 2022, she returned to the sport in 2024 and has since staged an impressive comeback, culminating in Olympic gold and renewed global attention.
Her recent performances have reinforced her reputation as a skater who blends technical skill with individuality. From her competitive programme to the viral gala routine, Liu has shown a willingness to experiment with modern music and personal artistic choices — a quality that resonates strongly with younger audiences online.
About the Author
Trisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. <br> She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. <br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. <br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis.<br><br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent.<br><br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.