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In a perplexing twist just days before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate has been informed that his lively routine set to music from the animated film Minions cannot be performed. Sabate, 26, has charmed audiences this season with his vibrant portrayal of the beloved characters, but copyright clearance issues have forced him to rework his programme ahead of his Olympic debut.
Last-Minute Changes
The announcement came as a blow to the skater, who had been looking forward to showcasing his unique performance on the world stage. “I was informed that I am no longer permitted to use this programme due to copyright clearance issues,” Sabate stated on Monday, just four days before the Olympics’ opening ceremony. “I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of the situation.”
While he may not be a frontrunner for a medal, Sabate’s Minions-themed routine—complete with yellow T-shirt and blue overalls—has resonated with fans. However, he now faces the daunting task of reverting to one of his previous programmes for the men’s short programme next Tuesday at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
The Complications of Music Clearance
Reverting to an old performance is not as straightforward as it may seem. Sabate’s previous short programme was set to music by the Bee Gees, which he also used for this year’s free skate. This unfortunate overlap means he will perform to the same music twice—a situation that is anything but ideal for an athlete eager to make a memorable impression.
Historically, figure skaters have avoided copyright issues by using classical music, which is generally considered to be in the public domain. However, the International Skating Union (ISU) relaxed its regulations in 2014 to allow music with lyrics, aiming to modernise the sport. This shift, while innovative, has led to complications, particularly highlighted during the 2022 Beijing Games when U.S. pairs skaters Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier faced legal action over their choice of music.
Navigating the Copyright Maze
In response to ongoing copyright challenges, the ISU and national governing bodies have been working to simplify the music clearance process for skaters. However, many like Sabate still find the system convoluted. He asserted that he followed the necessary steps to secure his music rights through ClicknClear back in August, before the competitive season began.
An ISU spokesperson acknowledged Sabate’s predicament, indicating that they are aware of the difficulties faced by athletes and are collaborating with rights clearance stakeholders to facilitate smoother experiences for future performances. “While the ISU does not have a contractual relationship with ClicknClear,” the spokesperson said, “we continue to work collaboratively to ensure that thrilling performances can be accompanied by stirring music.”
The Skater’s Burden
Despite assistance from organisations like U.S. Figure Skating, which collaborates with bodies such as ASCAP and BMI to help skaters navigate their music choices, the ultimate responsibility lies with the athletes themselves. Skaters must often rely on databases like Songview to verify copyright ownership, but the process can still lead to uncertainty.
World champion Alysa Liu has managed to cultivate a strong relationship with Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey, allowing her to use the singer’s music without complications. Yet, many skaters, including three-time U.S. champion Amber Glenn, have described their experiences with music clearance as chaotic. “It’s like, ‘OK, we’re cleared,’ and then suddenly it’s not reliable anymore,” Glenn remarked, expressing frustration over the additional burdens placed on athletes.
Why it Matters
The situation faced by Sabate underscores a broader issue within the world of figure skating as athletes grapple with the intricacies of music rights amidst their pursuit of artistic expression. As the sport evolves, it is crucial for governing bodies to streamline the music clearance process, allowing skaters to focus on their performances rather than legal intricacies. The challenge of navigating copyright laws not only impacts individual athletes but could also hinder the overall growth and popularity of figure skating, especially as it strives to captivate new audiences in the lead-up to major international events like the Olympics.
