The buzz around Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate’s Minions-themed figure skating performance has captured attention at the Winter Olympics. After a controversial week filled with music clearance issues, the Spanish skater is finally set to showcase his fan-favorite short program.
Sabate, who has performed his routine throughout the season without issue, faced a sudden challenge at the Olympics when Universal Studios raised questions regarding the rights to the Minions music he had selected. He initially believed he had secured the necessary approvals through a licensing service called ClicknClear, which allowed him access to some of the tracks. However, when the studio requested further details, Sabate found himself in a tight spot.
In an effort to keep his Olympic dreams alive, Sabate practiced an alternate Bee Gees-inspired routine while actively seeking the needed permissions. Following a flurry of efforts, he successfully secured licenses for two cuts of the Minions music, reached out to the artist for a third track, and ultimately received the final approval for Pharrell Williams’ song “Freedom” just hours before the team event began.
Expressing his relief and gratitude on social media, Sabate credited the support from fans and officials for helping him navigate the challenging process. “I’m so happy to announce that we’ve done it! We’ve secured the licenses for all four songs, and I’ll be able to skate the Minions at the Olympic Games,” he shared. “It hasn’t been an easy process, but the support of everyone who has followed my case has been key to keeping me motivated and optimistic.”
While Sabate is not regarded as a medal contender following a 20th place finish at last year’s World Championships, anticipation is building for his performance. He expressed his desire to make his program a tribute to the support he’s received, stating, “I just want to give my all on the ice and perform a program worthy of the love I’ve received from around the world.”
The issue of music clearance in figure skating has garnered attention, with other competitors like U.S. skater Amber Glenn facing similar challenges. Glenn recently encountered complications regarding her selected song “The Return” by CLANN. Additionally, Belgian skater Loena Hendrickx and Russian skater Petr Gumennik also had to change their music choices at the last minute due to clearance issues.
The situation underscores the complexities skaters face concerning music rights, which have evolved since 2014 when the rules shifted to permit modern music in competition. Unfortunately, the approval process remains convoluted, placing additional pressure on athletes who should be focused on their performances.
Sabate’s anticipated short program begins during the men’s individual skating competition on Tuesday, starting at 11:30 a.m. CT. His determination and the support from the skating community highlight the spirit of perseverance, reminding fans that the love for the sport and its performers continues to thrive even amid challenges.