Czech ice dancers Kate?ina Mrázková and Daniel Mrázek made their Olympic debut skating to partially AI-generated music, a choice that has stirred debate despite not breaking any official rules.
The sibling duo used an AI-created track for part of their rhythm dance program, which this season must reflect “The Music, Dance Styles, and Feeling of the 1990s.” Their routine combined an AI-generated song described as being in the style of Bon Jovi with AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” a genuine 1990s rock anthem. During the broadcast, NBC commentators briefly acknowledged that the first portion of the music was AI-generated, a detail that surprised many viewers, as reported by TechCrunch.
The International Skating Union permits broad musical interpretation, and there is no regulation banning AI-generated tracks. However, the choice has drawn criticism because ice dance is traditionally seen as a fusion of athleticism and artistic expression. While other competitors paid tribute to iconic 1990s acts such as the Spice Girls and Lenny Kravitz, the Czech duo opted for a hybrid soundtrack that blends algorithmic composition with established rock music.
This was not the first time the pair faced scrutiny over AI music. Earlier in the season, they skated to an AI-generated song that appeared to closely mirror lyrics from the 1998 hit “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals. After backlash over the similarities, the team reportedly revised the track, replacing disputed lyrics with new ones that critics say still echo classic Bon Jovi themes and phrasing.
The controversy highlights broader concerns about how large language models generate creative works. AI systems trained on extensive music libraries can produce songs that statistically resemble the style of particular artists. While technically original in structure, these outputs can sometimes blur the line between inspiration and imitation, raising questions about intellectual property and artistic authenticity.
Beyond figure skating, the music industry itself is grappling with AI’s expanding role. Tools like Suno and other generative platforms allow users to create full songs from text prompts, and some AI-assisted artists have already secured major record deals. For supporters, this represents democratization and innovation. For critics, it risks undermining the human element that defines art.
For Mrázková and Mrázek, the Olympic stage was the culmination of years of training and discipline. Yet their music choice has shifted part of the spotlight away from their technical execution and toward a wider cultural debate. In a sport built on performance and emotional storytelling, the decision to rely partly on AI has become as much a talking point as their choreography.
