Czech Ice Dancers Spark Debate with AI-Generated Music at 2026 Olympics
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Czech siblings Kateřina Mrázková and Daniel Mrázek made headlines not only for their athletic prowess but also for their unconventional choice of music. In their rhythm dance program, the duo incorporated an AI-generated track alongside AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, igniting discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in the arts.
The rhythm dance segment of ice dancing requires pairs to perform routines that align with a specified theme. This season’s theme, The Music, Dance Styles, and Feeling of the 1990s, saw various interpretations. British duo Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson honored the Spice Girls, while American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates performed to a Lenny Kravitz medley. In contrast, Mrázková and Mrázek’s routine began with an AI-composed piece reminiscent of Bon Jovi’s style before transitioning into the classic rock anthem by AC/DC.
This isn’t the first time the Czech pair has ventured into AI-generated music. Earlier in the season, they faced criticism for a routine set to a song titled One Two, which bore striking similarities to the 1998 hit You Get What You Give by New Radicals. The AI-generated lyrics included lines like Every night we smash a Mercedes-Benz! and Wake up, kids/We got the dreamer’s disease, mirroring the original song’s lyrics. Such resemblances have raised questions about originality and copyright in AI-generated content.
The International Skating Union (ISU), the governing body for competitive ice skating, lists the duo’s rhythm dance music as One Two by AI (of 90s style Bon Jovi) and Thunderstruck by AC/DC. While the use of AI-generated music doesn’t violate any current regulations, it has sparked a broader conversation about authenticity and creativity in performance arts.
The integration of AI in music isn’t limited to figure skating. The music industry has seen a surge in AI-generated compositions, leading to debates about copyright and artistic integrity. For instance, in 2024, renowned artist Beyoncé released her album Cowboy Carter, emphasizing the use of real instruments and expressing concerns about the growing presence of AI in music production.
The use of AI in creative fields presents both opportunities and challenges. While it offers innovative tools for artists, it also raises ethical and legal questions. As AI technology continues to evolve, industries will need to establish guidelines to balance innovation with respect for original artistry.
