Czech Skaters Break New Ground with AI-Composed Music
Czech figure skaters Katerina Mrazkova and Daniel Mrazek brought an unconventional rhythm dance to the Canadian Grand Prix that’s making waves in the skating world. Their program features a surprising musical combination: the iconic Thunderstruck by AC/DC in the second half, paired with an AI-generated composition styled after 90s Bon Jovi in the first.
Why AI Music is Gaining Traction in Figure Skating
The International Skating Union (ISU) only permitted AI-composed tracks this season, and the timing couldn’t be more relevant. The decision comes after years of ongoing battles between skaters and copyright holders over music usage rights.
Originally, the Olympic season was planned to feature 21st-century hits, aiming to attract younger viewers through popular music. However, Olympic broadcasts are particularly vulnerable to copyright claims. The ISU has previously been forced to mute competition videos on its official channel due to copyright complaints—a risk they couldn’t take with potential Olympic champion performances.
The 90s Theme: A Safer Alternative
Instead of contemporary hits, organizers settled on 90s music as a safer option. While not completely eliminating copyright concerns, this choice significantly reduces the risk of high-profile disputes with modern artists or their labels.
To further protect against copyright conflicts, the ISU introduced an innovative solution: allowing programs to use music composed by neural networks. The only requirement is that the AI-generated music must be energetic and fit the 90s stylistic theme.
Why the Czech Team Embraced AI Music
The Mrazkova/Mrazek team’s decision to use AI music wasn’t accidental. During the previous season, they faced a last-minute program change before the European Championships. They discovered their chosen music was composed by Kerry Mazzi, who actively monitors unauthorized use of his work through specialized software.
Mazzi had previously won a case against Chinese television for using his tracks in programs and series without permission. After receiving complaints from the composer and having their performance videos blocked on YouTube, the Czech team decided not to risk another confrontation and completely redesigned their program.
The Challenge of Finding Suitable Music
Dynamic programs present another challenge for skaters this season: finding appropriate music that meets judging criteria. The Mrazkova/Mrazek team had additional motivation for choosing AI-generated music—their original rhythm dance selection was rejected by judges.
Initially planning to combine AC/DC with Aerosmith, they were told this combination lacked sufficient energy. While Bon Jovi—whose style inspired their AI-generated track—has many powerful compositions, their most famous song It’s My Life was released in 2000, and most of their other hits date back to the 80s.
A Conservative Sport Embraces Innovation
This move represents a significant departure for a sport where classics like Carmen and Swan Lake have remained popular for decades. Despite the new rule, most top pairs have preferred existing compositions, despite the frequent musical overlaps during warm-ups.
The ISU maintains strict requirements about release dates, which has affected other teams including Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. As copyright issues continue to challenge figure skating, AI-generated music may become an increasingly attractive solution for skaters seeking both creativity and legal protection.
