Amber Glenn’s Gala: A Tribute to Johnny Weir and Lady Gaga
Amber Glenn’s figure skating gala performance on Saturday, February 21st, was a captivating homage to two pop culture icons: Lady Gaga and, notably, Johnny Weir. While Team USA’s Glenn didn’t secure an individual medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, she left an indelible mark on viewers with two unforgettable performances in Milan.
A Near-Perfect Performance
Glenn’s near-flawless free skate, set to a medley of “I Will Find You” and “The Return,” was already enough to overshadow her stumble in the short program. However, it was her Exhibition Gala performance that truly captivated the audience. This scoreless, restriction-free event allowed Glenn to showcase her artistry outside the competitive realm.
Skating to Lady Gaga’s cover of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” Glenn moved across the ice with grace and precision, flawlessly executing jumps and showcasing a breathtaking cantilever – a move that appears physically impossible, even on solid ground. The cantilever involves a deep squat with skates aligned, followed by a backward bend while maintaining momentum. It’s a testament to Glenn’s incredible strength and talent.
Echoes of Johnny Weir’s Legacy
Glenn finished 5th overall at the 2026 Winter Games, a result impacted by a technical error – a failed triple jump in her short program. Her journey resonates with that of Johnny Weir, who, despite never winning an Olympic medal, delivered consistently memorable performances, particularly when skating to Lady Gaga’s music. Interestingly, Weir also had a connection to Sinatra, with his 2006 program set to “My Way.”
At 26, Glenn is the oldest American woman to compete in women’s singles figure skating at the Olympics. Weir was 25 at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Both skaters captivated audiences with their artistry and showmanship, even without the top podium finish.
Weir’s Post-Competitive Career & Artistic Flair
Following his competitive career, Johnny Weir embraced exhibition skating, famously performing to Gaga’s “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance.” He became known for his extravagant costumes and theatrical performances. His “Poker Face” routine on TODAY, featuring a head-to-toe sparkly mesh outfit, and his legendary “Bad Romance” performance at Fashion on Ice – complete with a fishnet shirt, suspenders, and a feather skirt – cemented his status as a skating icon. He even incorporated a runway walk into his routines!
Today, Weir is a highly popular figure skating commentator for NBC and a star on Peacock’s The Traitors, demonstrating his continued influence in the entertainment world.
What’s Next for Amber Glenn?
As for Glenn, she’s currently evaluating her future. “I am grateful that my body has held up for this long,” she stated, according to U.S. Figure Skating. “I will reevaluate after the season’s over and see how I’m doing physically, mentally. I am not opposed to doing a one last season hoorah, just for fun and seeing ‘Hey, let’s see if I can do a quad, see what features I can go for.’” Hopefully, we’ll see more of Glenn’s captivating skating, soundtracked by the music of Lady Gaga, in the future.
Related: Watch Alysa Liu’s Joyous Exhibition Gala Skate
