Minions at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Thomas-Laurinc Guarino Sabaté gives permission for Minions music

Final negotiations with representatives for Pharrell Williams, the singer of Happy – a song that appears in Despicable Me 2 and is one of Sabate’s selections – took place on Thursday evening after reaching an agreement with Universal Pictures, BBC Sport has learned.

Sabaté’s situation became a cause célèbre online, with people on social media posting #lettheminionskate to show support.

“Right now, my only goal is to perform my best on the ice and deliver a program worthy of the affection I have received from people all over the world,” he wrote.

“I was so touched by the love he showed to a young skater from a small federation.”

Sabaté previously said he followed all required procedures and submitted the music through the International Skating Union’s (ISU) ClicknClear system in August.

Minions’ Sabate short program routine – the first of two in singles figure skating – has proven a hit in competitions around the world, including in Sheffield at the 2026 European Figure Skating Championships, where he finished 18th but has become a fan favourite.

Sabate, a six-time Spanish champion who is set to make his Olympic debut in Milan, will perform to a medley of music by the Bee Gees in his free skate – the second part of his routine.

He will compete in the men’s singles event at the Milan Ice Rink on Friday, February 13.