In a dramatic turn at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, American figure skater Amber Glenn has reached an amicable resolution with Canadian musician Elias Thorne over copyright concerns surrounding her viral short program performance. Glenn's routine, set to Thorne's breakout hit "Northern Lights," captivated audiences and judges alike during the women's singles competition, earning her a bronze medal. However, the performance quickly sparked controversy when Thorne publicly claimed the music's use violated his licensing agreement, threatening to overshadow Glenn's achievement.
The dispute emerged just hours after Glenn's February 8 skate, when Thorne posted on social media expressing frustration that his track—originally released independently in 2024—had been incorporated into her program without direct permission from him or his label. Figure skating music selections typically require approvals through organizations like U.S. Figure Skating, which licenses from music rights bodies such as ASCAP and BMI. Thorne argued that his niche status meant the standard process overlooked his personal sign-off, especially for high-profile Olympic exposure. Glenn's team countered that all protocols were followed, but acknowledged the oversight in notifying the artist directly.
Negotiations intensified over the weekend, involving lawyers, Olympic officials, and representatives from both nations' skating federations. Sources close to the talks revealed that Thorne sought retroactive licensing fees and promotional credits, while Glenn offered public shoutouts and collaboration opportunities. The breakthrough came late Monday when the parties announced a settlement: Thorne receives a one-time payment, co-promotional rights to Glenn's routine footage, and a commitment for her to feature his music in future exhibitions. No legal action will proceed, preserving goodwill amid the Olympic spirit.
This incident highlights growing tensions in figure skating's reliance on popular music amid evolving copyright landscapes. With streaming and social media amplifying artists' voices, skaters face heightened scrutiny over selections that can make or break routines. Experts note that while international competitions like the Olympics have robust music clearance systems, indie and international artists often slip through cracks, leading to post-performance disputes. Glenn's case, resolved swiftly, contrasts with past sagas like the 2014 Sochi Olympics flap over Russian skaters' unlicensed pop tracks.
For Glenn, the resolution allows her to focus on the free skate and defend her podium spot, while Thorne gains unprecedented visibility—his streams surged 300% post-performance. The episode underscores the cultural fusion at the Olympics, where American athletic prowess meets Canadian artistry, turning potential conflict into mutual promotion. As the Games continue, it serves as a reminder for athletes to double-check credits behind the ice.
