Spanish Skater's Minions Program Triumphs After Music Rights Drama at Olympics
In a heartwarming turn of events at the Milan Winter Olympics, Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate successfully performed his beloved Minions-themed short program, overcoming a last-minute music rights dispute that had threatened to derail his Olympic moment. The skater, known for his distinctive yellow-and-blue costume, brought the mischievous spirit of the Minions to the ice on Monday, captivating audiences with a routine that starts with the characters' iconic laughter.
A Last-Minute Scare and Overwhelming Support
Sabate had been skating to the Minions medley all season, believing he had secured the necessary approvals. However, just last week, he revealed he had been told he could not use the music, forcing him to consider abandoning the program. "When I did my post I was certain I wouldn't do the Minions," Sabate admitted after his performance on Tuesday. "That's why I did the post, as a way of warning the people, whoever expects the Minions at the Olympics, 'I'm sorry but don't, unfortunately it's not gonna happen.' I can't expose myself to getting sued."
The situation changed dramatically when Sabate's plea for help went viral on social media. He was stunned by the outpouring of support as he attempted to persuade Universal Studios and musician-producer Pharrell Williams to grant him the rights to the medley, which includes music from the "Despicable Me" franchise and its Minions spinoffs. The final approval came through on Friday, just days before his Olympic performance.
Personal Expression and Olympic Resilience
Despite nerves and an early mistake in his routine, Sabate described the experience as "amazing." He explained that the Minions program allows him to express himself fully, even though he considers himself "a little bit shy at the beginning." The dispute, he noted, revealed the depth of support he has from fans worldwide. "I didn't realize the reach my skating had even outside of the figure skating world, and it helped me realize how far I've come, how far my skating has brought me," Sabate reflected.
The skater acknowledged that the full impact of this experience will likely sink in after the Olympics conclude. "I haven't had really the time to take everything in and just appreciate everything," he said, emphasizing the whirlwind nature of the past week.
A Broader Trend of Music Rights Issues
Sabate is not alone in facing music-related challenges at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Other skaters have encountered similar hurdles:
- Petr Gumennik of Russia, competing as a neutral athlete, had to change his short program music at the last minute due to a rights issue, swapping a track from "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" for one from a Russian romantic epic.
- U.S. champion Amber Glenn also dealt with a copyright tangle involving a Canadian artist, highlighting the complexities of music licensing in international sports.
Looking Ahead: Gratitude and Fan Engagement
As Sabate moves forward, he plans to continue engaging with the fans who supported him through this ordeal. "I want to be the kind of person that replies to their fans," he stated. "They take the time to write to you and I want to take the time to answer." With more fan messages likely on the way, Sabate's Olympic journey has become a testament to perseverance, community support, and the power of personal expression in elite sports.
