Alysa Liu turning up at the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) was not on everyone's bingo card. And of course, the internet had thoughts.
The Olympic figure skating champion made an unexpected appearance at the star-studded event. She instantly grabbed attention with a gothic red carpet look that appeared more pop-punk princess than Olympic athlete.
But while many people were obsessed with the vibe, others had one big question: What was Alysa Liu doing at a music awards show?
As expected, social media quickly split into two camps. There are those who praise her fashion moment and those who are genuinely confused about why a figure skater was walking the AMAs red carpet in the first place.
Alysa Liu Brings Gothic Y2K Energy to the AMAs
If there was one thing Liu was going to do at the AMAs, it was to make sure people noticed.
For the occasion, the Olympic champion leaned fully into a dark, alternative aesthetic with an all-black ensemble that blended gothic glamour with early-2000s edge. Her look featured a fitted leather top underneath a cropped jacket finished with dramatic studded cuffs.
She paired it with a high-waisted maxi skirt complete with an asymmetrical slit, silver chain details, and oversized hardware that added to the alt-rock energy. Chunky silver rings, layered cross necklaces, and pointed black heels tied everything together.
And then, of course, there was her now-famous 'raccoon hair'.
Internet Divided Over Alysa Liu's AMAs Appearance
Many fans loved the look and praised Liu for stepping outside the typical athlete image. Comments poured in calling her 'such a baddie' and 'gorgeous'. Some fans even joked that she looked more like a pop diva than an Olympic skater.
Others gave credit where it's due, saying: 'This stylist really knew how to dress her!'
A few longtime supporters also pointed out that they simply enjoyed seeing one of their favourite skaters getting attention outside the rink.
But not everyone was convinced.
Some social media users questioned why Liu was even attending a music awards show. Comments like 'what does she know about music?' quickly started popping up online, with critics expressing confusion about her connection to the industry.
why is she at a music award red carpet? All she does is ice skate like cool but..?
— fish (@dracynewt) May 26, 2026
Why she’s busy attending the music award show like give us the real musician pic.twitter.com/lAL0OTCZRS
— POP CULTURE FAN (@ceopopculture) May 26, 2026
i like some of liu's skating
— Jack Alter (@jackalter) May 26, 2026
WTF SHE KNOW ABOUT MUSIC pic.twitter.com/Yav0WrO0nb
So, Why Was Alysa Liu Invited to the AMAs?
Despite all the online confusion, there is actually a very simple answer. Liu attended the Awards show because she was invited as a presenter.
She was not there as a nominee, performer, or surprise musical guest. During the ceremony, Liu presented the award for Best Rock/Alternative Artist, making her part of the evening's line-up of celebrity presenters.
And honestly? That is pretty standard for award shows.
The AMAs have a long history of inviting recognisable names from sport, television, film, and pop culture to hand out awards. It keeps the show broader, attracts different audiences, and creates those crossover moments people end up talking about online afterwards.
Liu's invitation also makes sense considering her growing public profile. Since becoming one of figure skating's biggest stars, she has steadily moved into mainstream celebrity territory, with fashion moments and viral beauty trends helping boost her visibility outside sport.
Her dramatic red carpet look only added fuel to the conversation, which is likely why many people suddenly found themselves searching online to know why she was at the AMAs.
Who Is Alysa Liu? The Olympic Figure Skater Amid Viral Fame
Alysa Liu, 20, is one of the biggest names in American figure skating. Born in California, she became a breakout star at an incredibly young age after making history as the youngest-ever US women's national champion in 2019—she was only 13 at the time.
Over the years, she continued climbing the competitive ranks before eventually reaching the biggest stage in sport: the Winter Olympics.
Ironically, one of the biggest reasons Liu has been trending lately has nothing to do with skating. Instead, it is her viral 'raccoon hair' that has people talking. Right now, she is sporting the chunky striped hairstyle inspired by Y2K trends.
Between Olympic success, viral beauty buzz, and a red carpet style evolution that keeps going viral, Liu is stepping into a new kind of spotlight. And judging by the internet reaction, people are definitely paying attention.
