American figure skater Ilia Malinin captured his third world title in Prague and closed his season on a high note with a special performance at the Laureates Gala on Sunday, March 29, 2026. For the exhibition, the 21-year-old chose a program set to music by Yungblud, moving away from the Olympic-themed routine he had previously performed, which reflected the struggles he faced at the Milano–Cortina Games, where he finished eighth in the men’s event.
Malinin, often self-styled as the “Quad God,” experienced a season filled with both triumphs and setbacks. He helped Team USA secure gold early in the year but endured disappointment in the individual Olympic competition. He ultimately rebounded by securing his third consecutive world championship title, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s top competitors.
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At the Gala, Malinin opted for a more optimistic and expressive routine, skating without pressure or expectations. He explained that his approach in Prague was to leave everything behind and simply perform, describing his mindset as “whatever happens, happens,” focusing only on presenting himself on the ice.
For his exhibition program, Malinin also made a notable change in style. He set aside his Olympic routine, which featured darker tones and music by NF, and instead performed in white attire to Yungblud’s reinterpretation of “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” He ended the performance with a quadruple Axel followed by a synchronized backflip alongside French skater Adam Siao Him Fa, drawing strong reactions from the audience.
Despite the end of the competitive season, Malinin is not taking an extended break. He is set to join other Olympic medalists, including Alysa Liu, Madison Chock, and Evan Bates, on the “Stars on Ice” tour, which he described as a relaxed and enjoyable environment focused on entertainment rather than competition.
Looking ahead, Malinin plans to work closely with his parents—who also serve as his coaches—along with his choreographers to develop new music, programs, and costumes for the upcoming season. His broader goal is to reset and prepare for the next Olympic cycle, aiming for a stronger return in 2030.
