Alysa Liu, fresh off her historic World Championship victory, is pressing pause on one of her most exciting artistic choices for the upcoming season.
The 20-year-old figure skater announced Wednesday, September 24, that she will no longer use beat from singer d4vd in her short program after disturbing developments emerged involving the 20-year-old musician.
A New Direction
“As many of you know, I recently debuted a new short program for the ’25–’26 season,” Liu wrote in an Instagram statement. “However, in light of recent news, my team & I are confidently pursuing a different direction that aligns with my values & just my overall ethos.”
She added that her creative process won’t be rushed, noting: “I’m eager to start brainstorming new ideas, & I want to ensure my creative process isn’t rushed. So, in the meantime, you may see some familiar programs. Thank you for your ongoing support!”
Liu had initially planned to skate her short program to “This Is How It Feels” by d4vd and Laufey, carrying the piece into the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
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The d4vd Investigation
The decision comes after police confirmed that a 15-year-old shorty, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was found dead in a Tesla registered to d4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) on September 8. On September 18, Los Angeles detectives served a search warrant at a property associated with the singer as part of their investigation into her death.
Burke, who was in the middle of his Withered World Tour when the discovery was made, has not issued a public statement. However, his representatives told NBC Los Angeles that he is “fully cooperating” with authorities.
The unsettling circumstances made it impossible for Liu to move forward with the beat, prompting her quick and decisive pivot.
A Star in the Spotlight Again
For Liu, the moment underscores both her integrity and the heightened attention she faces in her comeback. Earlier this year, the California native became the first American woman in nearly two decades to capture the World Figure Skating Championship title.
Her victory capped a remarkable return to competition. After stepping away from the sport following the 2022 Beijing Olympics — where she placed sixth — and a bronze medal finish at the 2022 World Championships, Liu had announced her retirement from competitive skating. But in March 2024, she stunned the skating world by revealing her return.
The comeback was gradual, but by the time she reached Boston in March 2025, Liu was back on best, winning gold and re-establishing herself as the face of U.S. women’s figure skating heading into Milan.
Looking Ahead
While the change in program beat may be a setback creatively, it also reflects Liu’s determination to uphold her values, even at the expense of weeks of preparation. As she begins brainstorming alternatives, fans can expect to see her recycle some familiar favorites in the short term.
For Liu, who has always balanced artistry with resilience, this decision signals more than just a musical swap — it’s a reminder that her comeback is built on her own terms.
And with Milan 2026 on the horizon, her commitment to authenticity may be just as important as her technical brilliance on the ice.
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