Why Can't the Skater Perform to Minions Music at the Olympics?

Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate, a Spanish figure skater renowned for his vibrant performances, faces a significant setback as he prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Due to copyright issues, he will not be able to perform his beloved routine set to a Minions mix, which has charmed audiences throughout the 2025-26 season. This unexpected development has left Sabate with limited time to adapt his program before the men's event in Milan starts on 10 February 2026.

Last updated: 01 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate has been informed that he cannot use his routine set to a mix of music from the Minions animated films. This news, which broke just days before the Olympic inauguration, has left him scrambling to find an alternative. Sabate's performances in the run-up to the Olympics have been well-received, and this change poses a significant challenge as he aims to deliver a memorable debut on the Olympic stage.

Key takeaways

• Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate will not perform his Minions mix at the Olympics due to copyright issues.
• He may revert to a routine using Bee Gees music for his short program.
• The change comes just days before the men's event in Milan on 10 February 2026.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines the key developments leading to this point:

• August 2025: Sabate submits his music selection through the ISU's ClicknClear system, following all necessary procedures.
• January 2026: Sabate successfully performs his Minions routine at various competitions, gaining popularity.
• Late January 2026: Notification received regarding the inability to use the Minions mix due to copyright clearance issues.
• 10 February 2026: Men's figure skating event begins at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Sabate has publicly announced that he must change his performance music due to copyright issues with Universal Pictures. This unexpected change is particularly distressing given the proximity to the Olympics. Sabate expressed his disappointment on social media, highlighting the emotional toll of this late-stage alteration.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, Sabate had enjoyed a successful season, captivating audiences with his unique performances and flamboyant style. He has consistently performed well and was a favourite at international events, including finishing 18th at the 2026 European Championships in Sheffield.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the direct impact of Sabate's music change may not significantly affect UK consumers, it reflects broader issues within artistic sports related to copyright and intellectual property. Spectators and fans of figure skating in the UK will be paying close attention to how this situation unfolds, as it may influence future performances and music selections by athletes.

Businesses and jobs

For the sporting community, Sabate's experience may highlight challenges that artists face when selecting music for performances. This could lead to discussions about how copyright laws affect artistic expression in sports, potentially influencing the practices of event organisers and rights holders.

Policy and regulation

The International Skating Union (ISU) has acknowledged the challenges posed by copyright clearances for artistic sports. As this issue gains attention, it may prompt discussions on policy changes aimed at facilitating smoother music rights management for athletes and performers in the future.

Numbers that matter

• 20th: Sabate's best finish at the Figure Skating World Championships, demonstrating his competitive prowess.
• 6: Number of times Sabate has been crowned Spanish champion, underscoring his status in national figure skating.
• 18th: His finish at the 2026 European Figure Skating Championships, where he became a fan favourite.

Definitions and jargon buster

• ISU: International Skating Union, the governing body for figure skating worldwide.
• ClicknClear: An online system used by the ISU for music rights clearance for figure skating performances.
• Copyright clearance: The process of obtaining permission to use copyrighted material, such as music, in performances.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Sabate must quickly adapt his program and select alternative music. He will need to focus on rehearsing a new routine to ensure he is prepared for the men's event on 10 February 2026. This will involve strategic decisions on how to maintain his unique style while adhering to copyright regulations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

After the Olympics, Sabate may need to reassess his music choices for future competitions. Engaging with music rights holders early in the season could prevent similar issues in the future and allow for more creative freedom in his performances.

Signals to watch

• Updates from the ISU regarding copyright issues and potential reforms in music clearance processes.
• Sabate's choice of music and performance style in upcoming competitions post-Olympics.
• General trends in how figure skaters manage music rights for their routines.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about copyright laws and music rights if you are an athlete or performer.
• Engage with rights holders early to avoid complications later in the competition season.

Don’t

• Assume that previously cleared music will remain available without ongoing checks.
• Neglect the importance of a backup music plan for performances.

Checklist

• Verify music rights for all planned routines well in advance.
• Consider alternative music options that align with your style.
• Communicate with coaches and choreographers about music selections and potential rights issues.
• Stay updated on ISU guidelines regarding music usage in competitions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation surrounding Sabate's music selection illustrates the complex relationship between copyright laws and artistic expression in sports. There is a risk that similar issues could arise for other athletes, especially those who rely on popular music to enhance their performances. Additionally, the final resolution of Sabate's music selection remains uncertain, depending on negotiations with rights holders.

Bottom line

Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate's experience highlights the challenges figure skaters face regarding music rights, especially close to major competitions like the Olympics. As he prepares to adapt his routine for the event in Milan, it serves as a reminder of the importance of securing music rights early in the process. Athletes and performers should be proactive about music clearance to avoid disruption and maintain the integrity of their artistic vision.

FAQs

Why can't Sabate use his Minions mix at the Olympics?

Sabate cannot use his Minions mix at the Olympics due to copyright clearance issues with Universal Pictures, which has not granted permission.

What music might Sabate perform instead?

Sabate may use a mix of music by the Bee Gees for his short program, as this was the routine he performed in the previous season.

When does the men's figure skating event start at the Olympics?

The men's figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics begins on 10 February 2026 in Milan.