Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu delivered a ringing endorsement of Taylor Swift at Thursday night’s iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, declaring the singer “the GOAT of music” while presenting Swift with six awards. The moment, captured on social media and widely reported, highlights the broad cultural reach of both athletes and underscores Swift’s continued dominance in the music industry. Liu’s praise came as Swift took home top honors including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
The connection between Liu and Swift extends beyond the awards stage. Swift’s music played a key role in the narrative surrounding Liu and her fellow figure skaters, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito – dubbed the “Blade Angels” – during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Swift narrated a hype reel for the trio set to her song “Opalite,” a gesture Liu specifically credited with boosting their performance. “She lent her voice and music by narrating the video introducing me and the other Blade Angels,” Liu said during the awards presentation, as reported by People. “I gotta say, I reckon that’s why we won.”
From the Ice to the Stage: Liu’s Remarkable Return
Alysa Liu’s journey to Olympic gold was anything but conventional. The now-20-year-vintage skater initially retired from competition at age 16, citing burnout and a desire to focus on her personal life. However, she made a triumphant return to the ice two years later, captivating audiences with her artistry and athleticism. At the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Liu delivered a stunning free skate to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” securing the gold medal and earning praise for her individuality and joyful approach to the sport. HuffPost noted the refreshing change Liu brought to figure skating, emphasizing her focus on fun and self-expression.
Swift’s Sweep at the iHeartRadio Music Awards
Taylor Swift’s impressive night at the iHeartRadio Music Awards wasn’t limited to six wins presented by Liu. She also secured the Pop Album of the Year award earlier in the evening, bringing her total haul to seven. The awards recognized her continued success across multiple categories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, and Favorite Tour Style. Swift’s acceptance speech, as reported by multiple outlets, included a heartfelt acknowledgment of Liu’s impact.
“I just wanna say, first of all, to receive this award from Alysa — you brought me so much happiness, and everyone else so much happiness, with your performances,” Swift said, according to a transcript of the speech published on YouTube. “And I was inspired by how much diligence and function and effort and love you have for what you do.”
“Three American Showgirls on Ice”: A Unique Collaboration
Swift’s involvement with the “Blade Angels” extended beyond simply lending her music. She famously described Liu, Glenn, and Levito as “three American showgirls on ice” while narrating the Olympic hype reel. This playful and enthusiastic endorsement resonated with fans and further cemented the connection between the artist and the athletes. The use of “Opalite” as the soundtrack for the reel, and Swift’s commentary about “joy fueling” Liu’s performance, underscored a shared appreciation for passion and dedication.
The singer also reflected on her own artistic journey during her acceptance speech, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passions. “I love being an artist. I love writing songs more than anything in the world,” Swift said. “I didn’t think I was an artist when I first started doing it. It was a hobby. It was a hobby and then it was my favorite hobby.” She encouraged the audience to nurture their own passions “just between you and that craft,” without seeking external validation.
The moment shared between Liu and Swift, and the broader narrative surrounding the “Blade Angels,” speaks to the power of cross-cultural connection and the influence of music in athletic achievement. It also highlights Swift’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, inspiring both fans and fellow artists alike.
Looking ahead, Taylor Swift is currently on her record-breaking Eras Tour, which is scheduled to continue through December 2024. Alysa Liu, meanwhile, is continuing her skating career, with her next competitive appearance anticipated at the upcoming ISU Grand Prix series. Fans of both athletes can stay updated on their respective journeys through their official websites and social media channels.
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