In an unexpected and glamorous crossover between pop culture and elite sport, Taylor Swift has taken on a surprise role in Team USA's Winter Olympics preparations. The global music sensation provided the voice-over for a brand new promotional video highlighting the American women's figure skating team, known as the 'Blade Angels', just days before their events commence in Milan-Cortina.
A Star-Studded Introduction to the Ice
The 14-time Grammy Award-winning singer, currently promoting her latest album 'The Life of a Showgirl', starred in the NBC-produced video that introduces the United States' trio of medal hopes: Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito. With the women's singles short program beginning on Tuesday, Swift's involvement adds considerable star power to the build-up.
Meet the 'American Showgirls' on Ice
In the visually striking promotional spot, Swift introduced the three skaters as 'American Showgirls' – a deliberate nod to her twelfth studio album. Her current hit single 'Opalite' provided the musical backdrop as silhouettes of the athletes gracefully mimicked their skating routines against sparkling teal backdrops that echoed the aesthetic of Swift's recent record.
"Amber. Alysa. Isabeau. Let Taylor Swift introduce you to the Blade Angels: Three American showgirls on ice," read the accompanying social media post from NBC Olympics & Paralympics.
Profiles of Olympic Contenders
Amber Glenn: Embracing the Fight
Swift described Glenn's "superpower is embracing the fight and daring the world to test her self-belief." The veteran skater, who identifies as both bisexual and pansexual, has made history as the first American figure skater to compete at the Olympics while being publicly 'out'.
In a pre-Olympics press conference, Glenn shared that it had been a "hard time" for her and members of the LGBTQ+ community under the Trump administration, echoing sentiments expressed by several Team USA members. While committed to speaking out on these issues, Glenn acknowledged that the backlash she received necessitated logging off social media for several days to protect her mental health during competition preparations.
Alysa Liu: A Joyful Comeback
The pop star then turned to Alysa Liu's remarkable journey, noting that the skater retired from the sport at just sixteen years old, only to launch a successful comeback that has returned her to the Olympic stage. "She came back on her own terms," Swift explained. "Joy fuels her now."
Isabeau Levito: Destiny Personified
Swift saved particularly poetic praise for eighteen-year-old Isabeau Levito, who has personal roots in the Games' host city of Milan, where her grandmother still lives just thirteen minutes from the Olympic rink. The singer described Levito as "destiny personified," adding: "When you can skate like you're meant to be there, history has a funny way of showing up."
Team Dynamics and Olympic Prospects
"They're teammates and friends," Swift emphasized in her narration. "They call themselves the 'Blade Angels.' And tomorrow night, they will take center stage."
The United States women's figure skating team begins their quest for individual medals on Tuesday when the short program commences at 12:45pm Eastern Time. The free skate follows two days later, with combined scores determining the final medal positions.
American women's figure skating has experienced a medal drought since 2006, but hopes are exceptionally high for this talented trio. Glenn and Liu have already contributed to Olympic success, helping secure a gold medal for the United States in the team event just last week.
As the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina progress, the collaboration between one of music's biggest stars and America's top figure skaters represents a unique moment where entertainment and athletic excellence converge on the world's grandest sporting stage.
