What's Happening?
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate is close to securing the necessary music approvals for his Olympic short program, which features a Minions-themed medley. Sabate has received approval for three out of four music cuts, with the final piece, 'Freedom' by Pharrell Williams, still pending due to label restrictions. The skater has been practicing his program at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, despite the uncertainty. Universal Studios initially requested more details about the music and Sabate's Minions-themed outfit, leading to a temporary halt in his preparations. However, support from fans and a change of heart from Universal have allowed Sabate to proceed with most of his planned music.
Why It's Important?
The situation highlights the complexities
of music licensing in figure skating, especially with the inclusion of lyrics in performances since 2014. The International Skating Union (ISU) has been working to streamline the process, but challenges remain, as seen with Sabate and other skaters like Belgium's Loena Hendrickx. The issue underscores the need for clearer guidelines and cooperation between music rights holders and sports organizations to prevent disruptions for athletes. The outcome of Sabate's case could influence future policies and practices in the sport, affecting how skaters select and secure music for their routines.
What's Next?
Sabate is awaiting final approval for the Pharrell Williams track, which will determine whether he can perform his intended program at the Olympics. The ISU continues to engage with major music labels to find solutions that accommodate young skaters' needs while respecting copyright laws. The resolution of Sabate's case may set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, potentially leading to more streamlined processes for obtaining music rights in figure skating.
