Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin and more shine at Olympic figure skating exhibition gala
The 2026 Winter Olympics figure skating gala united medallists and stars for a celebratory final skate in Milan
Figure skating concluded at the 2026 Winter Olympics with an exhibition gala that brought together medallists and leading performers for a final celebration at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
The evening opened with Italian great Carolina Kostner, the 2014 Olympic bronze medallist and 2012 world champion, who performed a duet with 3D light projections in a four-part sequence charting an athlete’s journey from discovery to mastery.
Among the standout moments, women’s champion Alysa Liu returned to the ice in a blue dress to skate to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress featuring Zara Larsson. Days after securing Olympic gold, she delivered a composed performance featuring a single triple jump and expressive choreography.
Men’s singles champion Mikhail Shaidorov provided a lighter note, performing in a panda suit to music including “Hero” by Hans Zimmer and John Powell, “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas and “Baby One More Time”. He later received a panda plush toy from Jackie Chan, who addressed the crowd and wished the world “love and peace” for the Chinese New Year.
Ilia Malinin skated to “FEAR” by NF in his first solo appearance since finishing eighth in the men’s free skate. Wearing a grey sweatshirt and black jeans, he incorporated his trademark backflip to sustained applause.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates performed to “Once I Was Loved” by Melody Gardot, using a white sheet as a central prop in a measured, intimate routine. Amber Glenn skated to “That’s Life” by Lady Gaga, while Japan’s Ami Nakai, Russia’s Adeliia Petrosian and others added musical variety across four themed acts.
The gala ended with all performers returning to the ice to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”, taking a collective bow to close the Games.
