OLYMPICS: Figure skating-Spaniard Guarino Sabate delights fans with Minions routine after music rights dispute but misses the cut

MILAN – Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate’s Minions-themed routine thrilled fans at the Milano Cortina Olympics, but his joy turned to disappointment Tuesday when he narrowly missed qualifying for the men’s free skate.

Dressed as one of the animated Minions characters in a yellow T-shirt and blue overalls, the six-time Spanish champion scored 69.80 points in the men’s short program. He stumbled on his triple Axel but still earned cheers from fans for a routine that has been a crowd favorite all season.

Despite the support, Guarino Sabate finished 25th, one spot below the cut-off for Friday’s free program.

The moment in the Olympic spotlight almost did not happen. The 22-year-old had assumed the music he competed to all season was cleared for the Olympics, only to learn last week that copyright issues would prevent him from using it.

Universal Studios and Pharrell Williams, who composed part of the music, reversed their decision after a wave of global support on social media, granting Guarino Sabate full clearance to perform on Friday.

Guarino Sabate was not the only skater facing music troubles in Milan. U.S. champion Amber Glenn also encountered a copyright issue when Canadian artist Seb McKinnon raised concerns over the use of his music.

The International Skating Union (ISU) acknowledged that music copyright clearances can pose challenges for all artistic sports.

“While the ISU does not have a contractual relationship with music licensing company ClicknClear, we continue to work collaboratively with rights clearance stakeholders to ensure that thrilling performances can be accompanied by stirring music,” the ISU said in a statement last week.

Before 2014, only ice dancers were allowed to skate to music with lyrics. The ISU updated the rules to include all disciplines to modernize the sport. Sochi 2014 marked the first Olympics to feature music with lyrics across men’s and women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. -Reporting by Lori Ewing; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters