At the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Taylor Swift had a special moment that extended beyond the spotlight on her own achievements, paying a heartfelt tribute to Olympic gold medalist and figure-skating star Alysa Liu. As Swift received her award for Artist of the Year, she took the time to acknowledge Liu’s incredible impact and dedication.
“I just want to say, first of all, to receive this award from Alysa, who brought me so much happiness, and everyone else so much happiness with your performances,” Swift said in her speech. “And I was so inspired by how much diligence and work and effort and love you have for what you do.”
The tribute from Swift, who has become known for her genuine connections with fellow artists and public figures, reflected a deep admiration for Liu, whose talent has captured the hearts of fans around the world. Swift went on to share several photos with Liu at the event, including one with her fiancé, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs star. The couple’s upcoming wedding has been a source of media buzz, but in that moment, Swift’s focus was squarely on her tribute to Liu’s inspiring journey.
Swift, who was the most-nominated artist at the 2026 awards with a total of nine nominations, took a moment to thank Kelce for being a source of inspiration as well. After winning Pop Album of the Year for her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, Swift shared that the album was deeply influenced by the energy she draws from performing for her fans.
“The Life of a Showgirl was really inspired by the energy that I felt like looking into crowds and seeing you guys every single night,” she explained, further underscoring the joy and empowerment that her music brings to both her and her listeners.
The Close Bond Between Swift, Kelce, and Liu
The evening also saw a series of photos featuring Swift, Liu, and Kelce together at the Dolby Theatre. While the trio’s shared time in the spotlight fueled public interest, it was clear that Swift’s admiration for Liu was sincere, as she praised the figure skater’s tireless work ethic and success on the world stage.
Liu’s continued success in figure skating has made her one of the most talked-about Olympians in the US. Her victory in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, where she won a gold medal, marked a historic achievement for the young athlete. Although Liu withdrew from the 2026 World Championships, her influence in the sport has continued to grow.
NBC reported a significant increase in viewership during the Winter Olympics, with Liu’s performance playing a major role in the spike. Her gold-medal win, combined with the US women’s hockey team’s victory over Canada in the gold medal game, attracted a record 26.7 million viewers across multiple platforms, showcasing the power of her influence.
The Power of Collaboration and Inspiration
Swift’s tribute to Liu and the supportive comments toward her fiancé Travis Kelce highlight the interconnected nature of celebrity circles, where mutual respect, inspiration, and admiration thrive. Both Swift and Liu share an undeniable work ethic, and in many ways, they are creating their own legacies through their respective crafts. Swift’s recognition of Liu’s efforts further cements the figure skater’s place in the public consciousness.
As Swift prepares for her own milestone moments—both in her career and in her personal life with Kelce—the support for friends and fellow trailblazers like Liu stands as a testament to her character and the strength of the bonds she maintains with other influential figures.
The evening served as a beautiful reminder that the magic of these events isn’t just in the awards, but in the celebration of hard work, friendship, and the joy of seeing others succeed. For both Taylor Swift and Alysa Liu, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of triumphs, both personal and professional, as they continue to inspire others through their passion and dedication.
