U.S. Women [#8]: Meet Me in St. Louis

[skipaway]

Both programs sound like retreads/remakes of last year's programs. Granted, they worked for her last year but I would expect the judges to want to see something different (that feels a bit less like a show program).

Doesn’t seem to be a problem…see Loena H, Fear/Gibson and many more.

 

[peibeck]

Regardless of what we think about her choices, Alyssa seemed very content with and enjoyed her programs last season. Going into an intense season, why not trust these pieces also speak to her? It's got to help to love your music rather than be forced into skating to something you feel ambivalent about.

 

[Allskate]

Both programs sound like retreads/remakes of last year's programs. Granted, they worked for her last year but I would expect the judges to want to see something different (that feels a bit less like a show program).

The judges seemed to love the programs at Worlds. I don't think that Olympics will be different. I think high energy is a good choice for an Olympic free skate, as long as the skater goes for it.

I actually didn't enjoy Alysa's free skate until Worlds when she performed it with so much joy and freedom. I didn't think much of the choreography.

I am much more optimistic about the choreography this season. It seems like she has been working a fair amount with Randi Strong. Plus, Alysa herself said that she is very confident in her music choices, which is a good sign:

STUDIO STRONG on Instagram: "We sat down with 2025 Figure Skating World Champion @alysaxliu to dive into the mindset, discipline, and routines that keep her at the top of her game. From her weekly non-negotiables to how she bounces back when she hits

723 likes, 15 comments - studiostrongice on August 26, 2025: "We sat down with 2025 Figure Skating World Champion @alysaxliu to dive into the mindset, discipline, and routines that keep her at the top of her game. From her weekly non-negotiables to how she bounces back when she hits a rut, she...

www.instagram.com

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Both Isabeau and Amber are doing similar programs to last year’s (with Amber even repeating a program), so I think it’s fine for Alyssa to stay in the same lane. The SP being a sequel to last year’s is a cool concept when you look at the lyrics and how they relate to her skating journey.

 

[Debbie S]

I didn't think much of the choreography.

That was my reaction too. The program seemed empty, like a show program with more jumps. I assume her team did that intentionally, since it was clear at the beginning of the season that she lacked stamina, understandable after 2 years away (I was surprised they would choose something so high energy). By Worlds, she had the stamina to get through it and perform, but no adjustments to the choreo.

Hopefully this season she has better choreo so it doesn't look like an expanded gala program.

 

[Willin]

The SP is a sequel, but I really don't see how Donna Summer and Lady Gaga are similar beyond the very superficial "They're pop"

I'd add this cut is interesting because Bloody Mary opens up the Mayhem concerts while Bad Romance closes it. I wonder if other clips will be mixed in the middle.

 

[Karen-W]

Well, we are fast approaching the end of the NQS for another year! Here's the week's update of the Sectionals qualifiers after the two NQS comps this past weekend - only 7 left before we know who qualifies for Sectionals. Per the USFS, any skaters with 1 international assignment or 2024-25 Sectional Champions has an automatic bye to Sectionals, therefore while I'm going to include them if they've competed in an NQS comp, I'll add the next highest qualifier in their Region if they're in the top 4.

Senior - Easterns
New England -
1) Cara Wong - 132.80
2) Jamiesen Cyr - 116.55
3) Katie Turcotte - 112.84
4) Clara Delcamino-Yang - 109.07

North Atlantic -
1) Jasmine Clarke - 167.20
2) Ava Marie Ziegler - 150.77 (Nepela Memorial)
3) Jessica Choy - 146.59
4) Maryn Pierce - 136.06
5) Ria Basu - 134.45

South Atlantic -
1) Juliana Barshay - 149.37
2) Erica Machida - 138.08
3) Maria Platonova - 128.32
4) McKenzie Edwards - 124.82

6 Next Best -
1) Alex Evans - 133.99 (Robin Cousins Cup)
2) Clare Seo - 121.08
3) Lindsey Byer - 120.69
4) Imogene Schwarz - 118.96
5) Caroline Santaguida - 113.56
6) Lauren Widrick - 106.46
7) Anastasia Russ - 103.11

Senior - Midwesterns
Eastern Great Lakes -
1) Emilia Nemirovsky - 195.87 (JGP Bangkok)
2) Kendall Erne - 150.76

Upper Great Lakes -
1) Alina Bonillo - 185.10 (Mids Sectional Champ)
2) Chloe Levine - 157.75
3) Brooke Gewalt - 147.70 (Cranberry Cup)
4) Lianna O'Grady - 127.05
5) Jayna Hosman - 122.32
6) Emma Nigrelli - 111.83

Southwest -
1) Logan Higase-Chen - 164.08 (JGP Varese)
2) Katie Holling - 143.62
3) Amber Barth - 137.92
4) Alyssa Rich - 126.19
5) Kacey Dockum - 110.05

6 Next Best -
1) Sydney Struss - 108.65
2) Elizabeth Rubinsky - 108.42
3) Hannah Mitchell - 106.12
4) Teagan Reynolds - 91.06

Senior - Pacific Coasts
Northwest Pacific -
1) Riley Solano Mathieson - 114.38
2) Grace Clifford - 101.91

Central Pacific -
1) Ariana Lee - 126.48
2) Joanna Lee - 113.39

Southwest Pacific -
1) Starr Andrews - 176.14 (Cranberry Cup, Nepela Mem, SkAm)
2) Katie Shen - 160.78 (Cranberry Cup)
3) Anabel Wallace - 154.31
4) Lindsey Wang - 151.46
5) Soho Lee - 132.49
6) Maile Hilbelink - 127.94

6 Next Best -
1) Milena Markin - 122.28
2) Keira Hilbelink - 117.32
3) Athena Huang - 111.15
4) Ellie Clopp - 108.42

Junior - Easterns
New England -
1) Alysa Zhang - 142.73
2) Sofia Jarmoc - 127.71
3) Mia Lucas - 111.28
4) Pina Yee - 107.04

North Atlantic -
1) Skylar Lautowa-Peguero - 177.48
2) Melania Blecic - 146.86
3) Leah Sharpe - 142.89
4) Mia Iwase - 137.07

South Atlantic -
1) Sofia Bezkorovainaya - 179.66 (JGP Ankara)
2) Madison Chong - 172.21
3) Kaya Tiernan - 147.98
4) Courali Clay - 140.12
5) Meghan Huffman - 135.02

6 Next Best -
1) Olivia Donayre - 128.19
2) Zhiqi Zhang - 119.55
3) Suemin Shin - 114.14
4) Paige Parlapiano - 113.57
5) Madelyn Petscher - 110.02
6) Caroline Mura - 108.56

Junior - Midwesterns
Eastern Great Lakes -
1) Annabelle Wilkins - 143.65
2) Carina Tanabe - 135.12
3) Cayla Smith - 134.06
4) Chloe Stickel - 127.93

Upper Great Lakes -
1) Jiaying Ellyse Johnson - 183.28
2) Lejla Begicevic - 126.97
3) Isabella Delcourt - 118.86
4) Madeline Benson - 115.22

Southwest -
1) Jessica Jurka - 181.19 (JGP Bangkok)
2) Angela Shao - 168.76 (JGP Riga)
3) Tiffany Bunce - 128.46
4) Landice Mullins - 109.85
5) Caylen Caldwell - 102.14
6) Carina Capone - 101.99

6 Next Best -
1) Erika Gerstenslager - 125.03
2) Addyson McDanold - 114.25
3) Isabel Cooper - 111.45
4) Emmalee Carlson - 109.95
5) Madeline Kendig - 107.25
6) Tamaki Shinohara - 105.15

Junior - Pacific Coasts
Northwest Pacific -
1) Saskia Leversee - 90.37
2) Katerina Murphy - 89.19
3) Stephanie Coe - 87.35
4) Chloe Peterson - 61.57

Central Pacific -
1) Ella Kim - 118.44
2) Angela You - 104.47
3) Arianna Larson - 102.70
4) Ashley Kao - 100.68

Southwest Pacific -
1) Annika Chao - 174.55 (JGP Varese)
2) Hannah Kim - 174.50 (JGP Baku)
3) Alayna Coats - 165.45 (Robin Cousins Cup)
4) Cleo Park - 160.16
5) Teryn Kim - 153.88
6) Kelsey Lee - 136.21
7) Hannah Gahan - 131.56

6 Next Best -
1) Aya Zeleznikar - 122.20
2) Joanne Lu - 116.10
3) Angelina Chang - 109.05
4) Anastasiya Rodriguez - 105.49
5) Lily Weinfurter - 104.49
6) Lauren Lee - 102.70

 

[haribobo]

24-25 Sectionals champs were - Alina Bonillo, Sherry Zhang (bye for top 5 Nationals finish), Ting Cui (perhaps not competing?)
Junior champs were Emilia Nemirovsky (moving up), Cleo Park, Sophie Joline Von Felten

I think due to timing, any skater competing at Skate America (Starr and Josephine) will have a bye to Nationals.

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

Both programs sound like retreads/remakes of last year's programs. Granted, they worked for her last year but I would expect the judges to want to see something different (that feels a bit less like a show program).

While there are similarities in tone to both of the Laufey SP tunes from last season and this season's respectively, I'm not hearing any similarities between the GaGa numbers Bloody Mary/Bad Romance and the late Donna Summer's disco rendition of the MacArthur Park Suite. I don't hear it at all. And I am sure that her choreographers are going to bring something fresh and vibrant for both of Alysa's Olympic season programs. Also, it's early yet and Alysa hasn't even debuted her new programs yet. Once she does, they'll be time enough to fine tune if needed, and as the season progresses.

 

[Debbie S]

Ting Cui (perhaps not competing?)

Ting had ankle surgery in May. She's been posting clips of her PT rehab and it looks like she is recovering well but I don't think she's back on the ice yet.

I didn't realize last year's Sectional champs have an automatic bye to this year's Sectionals....does that mean they don't need to compete in an NQS comp or are they still required to do so?

 

[PRlady]

I think staying with the style but not the music of last year’s programs is a great compromise. (I can just see the look on her face if someone suggested she skate to Tosca or West Side Story.)

When Cizeron skates an FD to heavy metal, Ilia a FS to Mozart etc, we can pick on Alysa. I respect skaters who do try to broaden their range but often the audience response is Nope, like Kaori’s Chicago. The real chameleons, like Gilles/Poirier, are rare.

 

[SidelineSkater]

I think staying with the style but not the music of last year’s programs is a great compromise. (I can just see the look on her face if someone suggested she skate to Tosca or West Side Story.)

When Cizeron skates an FD to heavy metal, Ilia a FS to Mozart etc, we can pick on Alysa. I respect skaters who do try to broaden their range but often the audience response is Nope, like Kaori’s Chicago. The real chameleons, like Gilles/Poirier, are rare.

Totally agree we FS fans are fickle. We cry out for NO warhorses, give us something new and different. And when we get new and different - it's usually - NO we don't like that. Stick with what you know.

 

[Vagabond]

It depends on the skater's taste. If it's all in good taste, then fine. If not, I will whinge year in and year out.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I think there's a big difference between trying a new style, and trying new music. Because, let's face it: many, if not most, skaters indicate style minimally throughout the program -- maybe Flamenco arms for a brief three seconds on two feet -- or one of several generic moves -- face wipes, hairography, running, etc. -- and that's if they have any connection to the music at all. The program is pretty much the same, with maybe a change to the spin position and choreo sequence, depending on what's getting points that year.

Most of the time, when someone tries a new style, they aren't successful right away, and the style seems forced. Then fans are split between, "They should go back to the style that works," or "They're heading in the right direction."

Going back to warhorses means going back to warhorse music. And while most fans have some warhorses they could hear over and over while hating others, going back to warhorse music most often elicits a huge groan for those who comment.

 

[honey]

I think Gaga (especially Bad Romance) is a fantastic choice to appeal to a general audience for an Olympics. Going viral isn’t likely the main goal of the season, but it sure doesn’t hurt if you pick a piece of music that is exceedingly popular and appeals to the masses.

 

[skatinggold]

I think Gaga (especially Bad Romance) is a fantastic choice to appeal to a general audience for an Olympics. Going viral isn’t likely the main goal of the season, but it sure doesn’t hurt if you pick a piece of music that is exceedingly popular and appeals to the masses.

If she wanted to go viral, she would have skated to Golden by Huntrix. Her short is going viral now cuz there’s a murder involved.

 

[skatfan]

The SP is a sequel, but I really don't see how Donna Summer and Lady Gaga are similar beyond the very superficial "They're pop"

I'd add this cut is interesting because Bloody Mary opens up the Mayhem concerts while Bad Romance closes it. I wonder if other clips will be mixed in the middle.

This. Donna Summers is an old-school pop that appeals to a primarily American audience. Lady Gaga is modern and has a worldwide following! As long as it is music she is excited to skate to, I'm good.

With all the swirly no-beat songs (sorry Amber) thank goodness for Alysa skating to pop with a beat!

 

[Tesla]

This. Donna Summers is an old-school pop that appeals to a primarily American audience. Lady Gaga is modern and has a worldwide following! As long as it is music she is excited to skate to, I'm good.

With all the swirly no-beat songs (sorry Amber) thank goodness for Alysa skating to pop with a beat!

I'll be singing and dancing along with her like I do with Fear/Gibson's free dance.

 

[olympic]

I will jump in here re Bradie. Yeah, it wasn't the best program. I didn't like the music cuts. It's so easy to make The Mission music build dramatically and her team is not doing that.

Nevertheless, I noted that she is skating with confidence and more command, generally speaking, which hopefully means the years of injury are behind her?

 

[Vagabond]

This. Donna Summers is an old-school pop that appeals to a primarily American audience.

Donna Summer was the Disco Queen, not an old-school pop singer, and had a global audience, having launched her career in Germany and selling more than 100,000,000 records worldwide.

(ICYM, she is dead.)

 

[alizadavida]

I guess Riley switched from NS to West coast. Would be cool if her and Lauren compete at nationals together and great for NSSC!

 

[skatfan]

Donna Summer was the Disco Queen, not an old-school pop singer, and had a global audience, having launched her career in Germany and selling more than 100,000,000 records worldwide.

(ICYM, she is dead.)

Oops totally right about the disco thing. Didn’t know that she launched in Germany and had that reach. My use of present tense was about the music, not her - no disrespect intended.

I do stand by my premise that Gaga is a different vibe, who is current and had over 2 million people at her recent live concert in Brazil.

 

[SkateFanBerlin]

Oops totally right about the disco thing. Didn’t know that she launched in Germany and had that reach. My use of present tense was about the music, not her - no disrespect intended.

I do stand by my premise that Gaga is a different vibe, who is current and had over 2 million people at her recent live concert in Brazil.

She got going in Germany because she was in the German cast of Hair (the musical).

 

[Aceon6]

Donna Summer

Donna GAINES Summer.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Polina interviewed Sarah Everhardt on her podcast

The Iron Butterfly: Sarah Everhardt: Progress and Perspective

I interview 2025 Four Continents Bronze Medalist Sarah Everhardt on her skating career thus far and goals heading into the upcoming Olympic season!

bleav.com

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

Donna Summer was the Disco Queen, not an old-school pop singer, and had a global audience, having launched her career in Germany and selling more than 100,000,000 records worldwide.

(ICYM, she is dead.)

OT but did any skaters during Disco Queen Donna Summers (RIP) heyday skate to her music? I think her version of the MacArthur Park Suite ROCKS! I prefer it to the (1960s?) Richard Harris (RIP) ballad version. It's nice, but way too slow and sleepy imo for a skating program.

 

[YukiNieve]

Alysa's impactful costume：

https://x.com/fsphoto_syo/status/1966132598956241215

Alysa has been practicing hard

https://x.com/mik_chestnut/status/1966138390602228074

 

[Wyliefan]

Alysa's impactful costume：

https://x.com/fsphoto_syo/status/1966132598956241215

The color is good, the design is mostly good, but all that stuff on the shoulders looks a little busy. Maybe it'll look fine when we see it in motion, though.

 

[emason]

OT but did any skaters during Disco Queen Donna Summers (RIP) heyday skate to her music? I think her version of the MacArthur Park Suite ROCKS! I prefer it to the (1960s?) Richard Harris (RIP) ballad version. It's nice, but way too slow and sleepy imo for a skating program.

Back in the late 70s there used to be a once-a-year skating event at MSG called Superskates; one year almost every skater at the event skated to Donna Summer. I don’t remember exactly who appeared that year but it was nonstop Donna Summer. I’m not a disco fan and couldn’t wait to flee after the evening was over.

 

[skipaway]

The color is good, the design is mostly good, but all that stuff on the shoulders looks a little busy. Maybe it'll look fine when we see it in motion, though.

Qualifies for the “whickety whack” on the bingo card!