Alysa Liu’s impact extended far beyond her two gold medals at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. The figure skater, quickly becoming a Gen Z icon, has resonated with fans through her athletic prowess and her carefully curated program music, most notably her stunning Gala performance set to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. It turns out, the admiration is mutual, with both artists expressing their gratitude and pride in Liu’s interpretation of their hit song.
Liu’s choice of “Stateside” wasn’t arbitrary. In a recent profile, she explained the song’s lyrics, specifically Zara Larsson’s line, “All those years I put in for the American Dream / Is it worth all the perform if you can’t be here with me?” deeply resonated with her feelings surrounding the Olympics in Milan. The song, a collaboration between PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson, has seen a surge in popularity following Liu’s performance, but for Larsson, the cultural moment was more significant than any chart success.
“Being a part of culture and history, like I got to be with Alysa, is way more impactful to me personally than any chart position,” Larsson told Teen Vogue, adding that she felt proud to see Liu “looked so joyful” on the ice. This sentiment underscores the powerful connection between music and sport, and how an athlete’s artistic choices can elevate a song to new heights.
PinkPantheress echoed Larsson’s sentiments, stating via email that Liu “breathed a new life into the track” and expressing gratitude for everything the skater has done for the song. The collaboration has proven to be a mutually beneficial one, with Liu’s performance introducing “Stateside” to a wider audience and the song providing a poignant soundtrack to her Olympic journey.
The impact of Liu’s performance is undeniable. Forbes reported that “Stateside” reached #1 on the charts following her Gala skate, demonstrating the power of Olympic exposure. The song’s popularity also sparked conversation online, with fans celebrating both Liu and the artists on social media. A Reddit thread dedicated to the performance highlights the enthusiasm surrounding the collaboration.
Beyond her athletic achievements and musical taste, Liu continues to forge her own path. She recently shared her appreciation for artist Molly Santana, hinting at a potential appearance at Rolling Loud – a move that further solidifies her status as a rising Gen Z icon who isn’t afraid to blend her passions.
As Alysa Liu continues her career, both on and off the ice, her influence on music and pop culture is likely to grow. Her ability to connect with audiences through her artistry and authenticity positions her as a compelling figure to watch in the years to come. What impact will her future program choices have on the music world? Only time will notify.
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