Liu and Malinin Shine in Milan Cortina Olympic Exhibition Gala
Milan, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina concluded with a dazzling figure skating exhibition gala on Saturday night, featuring performances from Team USA stars Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin, alongside over 40 other skaters who competed throughout the Games. The gala provided a celebratory atmosphere, allowing athletes to showcase their artistry and personality without the pressure of competition.
A Night of Celebration and Artistic Expression
The exhibition gala, held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, was divided into four segments. The opening act featured former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner, a 2014 Winter Games bronze medalist, performing a duet with a 3D projection illustrating the journey of an athlete’s development.
The second act allowed the Winter Games athletes to take center stage, offering them the opportunity to express themselves through music and programs ranging from classical pieces to contemporary hits like Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” and selections from the “Mortal Kombat” soundtrack.
Team USA Takes the Ice
Amber Glenn, a member of the U.S. Team that defended its Olympic team gold medal, performed to Lady Gaga’s “That’s Life,” a fitting choice for the three-time national champion who overcame a mistake in her short program to deliver a strong free skate.
Ilia Malinin, despite a disappointing individual event where he was favored to win gold, captivated the audience with his performance to “FEAR” by NF. Malinin had previously secured a gold medal in the team event and acknowledged the weight of expectations contributed to his struggles in the individual competition. He demonstrated sportsmanship by being the first to congratulate gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov and openly addressing questions about his performance.
“Even with that skate,” Malinin said, “the crowd never stopped cheering. They were there supporting me. It’s honestly why this is a very special sport, because not a lot of sports you have that privilege of not only being an athlete, but you’re also an artist.”
Alysa Liu Closes Out the Gala
As is tradition, the gold medalists performed last, culminating with Alysa Liu. The 20-year-old Liu, who had taken a break from skating after the 2022 Beijing Games, made a remarkable comeback to win the first gold medal for an American woman since Sarah Hughes at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Liu embraced her individuality, influencing every aspect of her programs, from music selection to costume design.
“I am just doing me, so it’s cool if I’m inspiring any other people,” said Liu, known for her unique style, including streaked hair and a frenulum piercing. “I just have a certain fashion sense and kind of stubborn with it, so it’ll always come through.”
A Grand Finale to the Milan Cortina Games
The gala’s third act celebrated the host nation, Italy, and the victorious American team. The event concluded with a grand finale featuring all the athletes in a choreographed program, marking their final farewell to the Milan Cortina Olympics.