Olympian Amber Glenn Resolves Copyright Issue with Canadian Artist

The figure skater found a new friend after clearing up concerns over the music used in her Olympic routine.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn, making her Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina games, resolved a copyright issue with Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, whose song "The Return" she used in her free skating routine. McKinnon was surprised to see his music used without permission, but the two were able to clear things up, with Glenn expressing hope that the Olympic performance would generate enthusiasm for both figure skating and McKinnon's music.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex process of obtaining music rights for Olympic figure skating routines, as well as the potential for unexpected connections and collaborations to emerge from such situations. It also showcases the first openly LGBTQ woman to represent Team USA in Olympic singles figure skating.

The details

Amber Glenn, a 26-year-old figure skater from Plano, Texas, used the song "The Return" by Canadian artist Seb McKinnon (performing under the stage name "CLANN") in her free skating routine at the Milano Cortina Olympics. McKinnon was surprised to see his music used without permission, taking to social media to express his concerns. Glenn then addressed the situation, stating that the issue of music rights can be complex and that she's glad they were able to clear things up. She expressed hope that her Olympic performance would generate enthusiasm for both figure skating and McKinnon's music, and the two have agreed to move forward in a collaborative manner.

  • On Sunday, February 9, 2026, McKinnon posted about the unauthorized use of his music on the social platform X.
  • On Monday, February 10, 2026, Glenn addressed the situation in a statement posted on X.
  • On Tuesday, February 11, 2026, McKinnon reposted Glenn's statement, saying "Things are resolved!"

The players

Amber Glenn

A 26-year-old figure skater from Plano, Texas, making her Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina games. She is the first openly LGBTQ woman to represent Team USA in Olympic singles figure skating.

Seb McKinnon

A Canadian artist who performs under the stage name "CLANN." His song "The Return" was used by Amber Glenn in her Olympic figure skating routine without his initial permission.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes new friendships start in unexpected ways. I discovered Seb McKinnon's music (CLANN) two years ago and felt a deep connection to it. The issue of music rights can be complex and confusing. Seems like there was a hiccup in that whole process. I'm glad we cleared things up with Seb and I look forward to collaborating with him.”

— Amber Glenn, Figure Skater (X)

“I love it when music inspires people. We can all agree that creators deserve clear consent, proper credit, and fair compensation when their work is used. It doesn't matter if you're the most famous artist [in] the world or a complete unknown. It's for all.”

— Seb McKinnon (X)

What’s next

Glenn will compete next at the games' women's single skating short program on Feb. 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of properly obtaining music rights for Olympic figure skating routines, as well as the potential for unexpected connections and collaborations to emerge when issues are resolved amicably. It also showcases the first openly LGBTQ woman to represent Team USA in Olympic singles figure skating.