What's Happening?
Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté has received permission from Universal to use music from the Minions franchise for his performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Initially, Guarino Sabaté faced a setback when he was informed that the Minions-themed music he had used throughout the season could not be performed at the Olympics due to copyright issues. This news came just a week before the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Games, causing significant concern for the skater who had planned to debut his Minions-themed short program on February 10. However, after negotiations, Universal has allowed the use of the music for this special occasion, although some final clearances are still pending. Guarino Sabaté, a six-time
Spanish national champion, expressed his excitement and gratitude on social media, highlighting the joy and playful style he aims to bring to the ice with his performance.
Why It's Important?
The resolution of this copyright issue is significant as it underscores the complexities involved in music licensing for artistic sports like figure skating. The situation highlights the challenges athletes face in securing rights to contemporary music, which is not in the public domain. This development is crucial for Guarino Sabaté, as it allows him to maintain the artistic integrity of his performance, which he has been perfecting throughout the season. The decision also reflects the influence of major media companies like NBCUniversal, which owns the U.S. media rights to the Olympics, in shaping the artistic elements of the Games. For the audience, it ensures that the creative and entertaining aspects of figure skating are preserved, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
What's Next?
With the permission granted, Guarino Sabaté will proceed with his preparations for the Olympics, focusing on finalizing the remaining music clearances. The skater will continue to engage with his fans and supporters, keeping them updated on his progress. As the Games approach, the focus will be on his performance and how well he can execute his program under the pressure of the Olympic stage. The broader figure skating community will be watching closely, as this case may set a precedent for future music licensing negotiations in the sport.
