An ice dance duo skated to AI music at the Olympics

Czech ice dancers Kateřina Mrázková and Daniel Mrázek debuted at the Olympics on Monday, achieving a feat that requires a lifetime of dedication. However, their rhythm dance program included AI-generated music, a choice that, while permissible under official rules, has sparked considerable discussion.

A Controversial Soundtrack

During their performance, NBC commentator noted that “This is AI generated, this first part,” referring to the music. This admission occurred as the sibling duo executed what was described as a “superhuman” cartwheel-lift-sort-of-move. The Olympic ice dance competition consists of two events: the rhythm dance, which has a specific theme, and the free dance.

The 1990s Theme

This season’s theme for the rhythm dance is “The Music, Dance Styles, and Feeling of the 1990s.” Other competitors, such as British duo Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson, paid tribute to the Spice Girls, while American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates skated to a Lenny Kravitz medley. Mrázková and Mrázek’s routine, however, featured a blend of AI-generated music and AC/DC.

A History of AI Integration

This isn’t the first time the Czech duo has incorporated AI into their routines, nor is it the first time it has drawn criticism. Earlier in the season, their ’90s-inspired song began with the lyrics, “Every night we smash a Mercedes-Benz!” These lyrics are directly taken from the New Radicals’ hit song “You Get What You Give.”

The AI-generated song also included lines like, “Wake up, kids/We got the dreamer’s disease,” and “First we run, and then we laugh ’til we cry,” which also appear in “You Get What You Give.” The song is titled “One Two,” mirroring the opening words of the New Radicals song.

Adjustments and Similarities

Before the Olympics, the duo altered the song, replacing the New Radicals lyrics with AI-generated lyrics that sound similar to Bon Jovi’s style. For example, the lyrics “raise your hands, set the night on fire” are also found in Bon Jovi’s song “Raise Your Hands.” The AI vocalist also bears a resemblance to Bon Jovi. Notably, “Raise Your Hands” is not a song from the 1990s.

The software used to generate the music remains unclear. However, the music industry is showing some interest in AI-generated artists. Telisha Jones, from Mississippi, used Suno to create music under the persona Xania Monet and secured a $3 million record deal.

Looking Ahead

The Czech dancers’ Olympic performance may be overshadowed by the debate surrounding their use of AI music. The International Skating Union could face pressure to clarify its rules regarding AI-generated content in future competitions. It is also possible that other skaters may experiment with AI, potentially leading to further discussion about the role of technology in the sport. The duo could also face scrutiny regarding copyright issues, as the LLMs are often trained on music through legally dubious means.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theme of the 2026 Olympic ice dance rhythm dance?

The theme is “The Music, Dance Styles, and Feeling of the 1990s.”

What songs did Kateřina Mrázková and Daniel Mrázek use in their Olympic routine?

Their routine featured a combination of AI-generated music and “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC.

Has this duo used AI-generated music before?

Yes, they have faced backlash before for using AI-generated music earlier in the season, with lyrics that closely resembled those of the song “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals.

As technology continues to evolve, how might the definition of creativity and originality be challenged in the world of competitive figure skating?