Amber Glenn: Olympics Copyright Issue Resolved

Milan, Italy – U.S. Figure skater Amber Glenn has resolved a copyright dispute concerning music used in her Olympic performance, and the situation appears to have fostered a potential new collaboration with the artist. Glenn, a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Team, faced questions after her free skate on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Copyright Concerns and a Swift Resolution

Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, who performs under the name CLANN, publicly expressed surprise on X (formerly Twitter) that his song, “The Return,” was used in Glenn’s routine without prior permission. McKinnon questioned whether such usage was standard practice for the Olympics. However, he later congratulated Glenn on her team’s gold medal.

Did You Know? The issue of copyright in figure skating has become more prevalent since 2014, when the International Skating Union relaxed regulations allowing skaters to use more contemporary music.

Glenn acknowledged the complexity of music rights and stated that a “hiccup” occurred in the process. She expressed her relief at resolving the issue with McKinnon and her hope for future collaboration. McKinnon confirmed the issue was resolved and emphasized the importance of respecting artists’ rights to consent, credit, and fair compensation.

A Broader Issue in Olympic Skating

This incident wasn’t isolated. Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate had to quickly secure approval for a medley from “Minions,” while Russian skater Petr Gumennik was forced to change his short program two days before competition due to a lack of permission for music from “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.”

Expert Insight: The increasing use of popular and contemporary music in figure skating, while enhancing artistic expression, introduces new logistical and legal challenges for athletes and governing bodies.

Glenn, a three-time U.S. Champion, has also faced online backlash and threats after speaking about challenges within the LGBTQ+ community during a pre-Olympics press conference. She expressed disappointment at the negative responses, even while wearing an LGBTQ+ pin during the medal ceremony.

Following the team event victory – the second consecutive Olympic gold for the American team – Glenn is preparing for the women’s individual competition, which begins on February 17th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What song was at the centre of the copyright dispute?

The song “The Return” by Seb McKinnon, performing as CLANN, was used in Amber Glenn’s free skate without prior permission.

Have other skaters faced similar copyright issues during the Milan Cortina Games?

Yes, both Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate and Petr Gumennik had to address copyright concerns with their music selections before their performances.

What is Amber Glenn doing after the team event?

Amber Glenn is preparing for the women’s individual competition, which begins with the short program on February 17th, and is planning to attend a training camp outside of Milan.

As athletes navigate the complexities of competition, how might governing bodies better support skaters in securing the necessary music rights and permissions?