Like musicians preparing for a recital, figure skaters spend months on end finding the right music, creating a routine, and then practicing it to perfection in hopes of bringing home a gold medal at the next competition.
Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sebate had the perfect routine planned using the music for the comical little characters The Minions; and even dressing in blue and yellow to take on the role of one the characters.
But then his nightmare began when Sabate learned he would not be allowed to use the music just FOUR DAYS prior to the start of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina!
Sabate said, “I was informed that I am no longer permitted to use this program due to copyright clearance issues. I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of the situation.”
Having to pull the routine, meant Sabate would have to rely on an older program and quickly brush up and perfect it.
For many years, ice skaters performed only to classical music and later more contemporary pieces but always without lyrics. In 2014 the International Skating Union allowed music that included lyrics; which means permission must be gotten to use the music since it is not in the public domain.
Sabate explained that he had gone through the proper channels to get his music approved before the beginning of the skating season. The skaters themselves are responsible for making sure their music is cleared to perform; which can be a daunting task.
Universal Studios was even questioning Sabate’s choice of costume for the routine – a yellow shirt and blue pants.
On the day before the opening ceremony for the Olympic games, Sabate has learned that he has received partial clearance for the Minions music he planned for his routine. The issue is the song “Freedom” by Pharrell Williams and discussions are on going.
“He (Pharrell Williams) seems to be OK, but there’s problems because he’s restricted by his label. A lot of technical stuff. But they are working to make it happen,” said Sabate.
And just hours before Sabate was to march with his countrymen as a part of the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, he receives the permission he needed for the go ahead to play one the mischievous Minions for his skating routine when the ice skating competition begins on Tuesday.
Sabate announced the news via social media saying, “I’m so happy to announce that we’ve done it! We’ve secured the licenses for all four songs, and I’ll be able to skate the Minions at the Olympic Games. It hasn’t been an easy process, but the support of everyone who has followed my case has been key to keeping me motivated and optimistic these past few days.”
Sabate added, “right now, I just want to give my all on the ice and perform a program worthy of the love I’ve received from around the world. I’m thrilled by the love that a small skater from a small federation has received.”