In a glittering ceremony that blended the worlds of sports and music, reigning Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu stepped onto the stage at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles. The event, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre on March 26, saw Liu present not just one, but an impressive six awards to global superstar Taylor Swift.
A Champion's Tribute
Liu, who secured gold medals in both the team figure skating event and the women's individual competition at the February 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, declared Swift "the GOAT of music" during the presentation. She credited Swift's contribution to her Olympic success, noting, "She lent her voice and music by narrating the video introducing me and the other Blade Angels. I gotta say, I think that's why we won."
Swift's Award Haul
Taylor Swift's dominance was on full display as she accepted a remarkable collection of honors. In a single sweep, she claimed Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, and Favorite Tour Style. Earlier in the evening, she also secured Pop Album of the Year, bringing her total awards for the night to an astounding seven.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Swift expressed gratitude to Liu, stating, "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. And I was inspired by how much diligence and work and effort and love you have for what you do."
Liu's Inspiring Journey
Alysa Liu, now 20 years old, has captivated audiences with her unique approach to figure skating. After retiring at age 16, she made a triumphant return two years later, dazzling crowds at the 2026 Olympics with her free skate performance to Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park." Hailed as a refreshing change for the sport, Liu emphasizes individuality and enjoyment in competition.
She was part of the "Blade Angels" for Team USA, alongside fellow skaters Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito. Taylor Swift narrated a hype reel for the athletes ahead of the Games, set to her song "Opalite," describing the trio as "three American showgirls on ice." In the video, Swift remarked of Liu, "Joy fuels her now."
Swift's Message of Passion
During her speech, Swift reflected on her own artistic journey, sharing, "I love being an artist. I love writing songs more than anything in the world. 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." Addressing the audience, which included her fiancé Travis Kelce, she encouraged everyone to pursue their passions without seeking external validation.
"If I had one hope for you, I would say that I hope that you get to nurture your hobby and your passion just between you and that craft," Swift added, underscoring the importance of personal dedication and joy in creative endeavors.
The evening showcased a powerful intersection of athletic excellence and musical achievement, highlighting how inspiration flows between champions in different fields.
