Reigning world champion Alysa Liu lit up Lake Placid in her Skate America debut, delivering a poised, heartfelt short program to Laufey’s Promise that had the arena silent at her opening pose and roaring by the closing spin. The two-time U.S. champion's command of edge, speed, and timing was unmistakable, as she earned 73.73 points to sit second heading into the free skate — less than a point off the lead — re-establishing herself as one of the most exciting American figure skaters to watch this Olympic season.

Liu broke down into tears as she held her finishing pose, the emotions of the program overwhelming her. This is the second season she's competed the program, and Liu has been open about how important it is to her.

"I still feel so connected to [the program]," Liu said. "Honestly I can't imagine not being connected to it."

Japan’s Rinka Watanabe owned the overnight lead with a season best 74.35. Skating to El Tango de Roxanne, she opened with a gorgeous triple Axel and rode that momentum through strong jumping passes and clean spins, drawing a standing ovation. The 2022 Skate Canada champion has been up-and-down this fall, but on Saturday she looked every bit the contender she showed she is capable of being with her Grand Prix Cup of China bronze medal last month.

Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann sits 3rd after a career best 69.69, a tightly constructed performance to selections from the Italian television show "The Law According to Lidia Poët." Every jump received positive grades of execution, and her intricate transitions and spin variations kept the crowd clapping long before her final pose. With only one Italian women’s spot available for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Gutmann continues to strengthen her case.

Georgia’s Anastasiia Gubanova, the 2023 European champion and 2024–25 European silver medalist, technically was sharp with expert musical interpretation for 68.07 points in 4th place. 

South Korea’s Kim Chae-Yeon, 2024 world bronze medalist, showed her growing maturity, landing fast, tight jumps and centered spins for a season best 67.28 in 5th place.

Starr Andrews kept the U.S. momentum rolling with a rhythmic, crowd-lifting skate to Beyoncé that showcased the flow and musicality for which she’s best known. Her 64.38 score was a season best and good for 6th; crucially, she backed up the strong short-program trend she’s built while working with a mental coach to steady the longer program. 

Teammate Josephine Lee, making her senior Grand Prix debut, scored 54.24 but again displayed the poise that made her a surprise U.S. silver medalist in 2024.

Rounding out the rest of the strong women’s single field at Skate America, South Korea’s Lee Hae-In delivered a graceful, technically clean skate, earning 64.06 points to stay close behind the leaders in the hunt for the podium. 

The 2018 world silver medalist Wakaba Higuchi (60.12) brought commanding ice coverage and amplitude to My Way. 

France’s Lea Serna (59.25) hit strong jump passes with one notable step-out; and Japan’s Hana Yoshida (57.22) had the crowd cheering along to “Kill Bill” as she continues to hunt consistency with the complete elements that made her a Grand Prix Final medalist two seasons ago. 

Poland’s Ekaterina Kurakova (56.05) rounded out the field with expressive skating that should score better as the rotation calls tighten up.

After the short program: Watanabe, Liu and Gutmann lead a tightly packed top group with less than eight points separating 1st from 4th. With Liu’s refined artistry, Watanabe’s triple Axel threat, and Gutmann’s momentum, the free skate sets up as a true three-way fight for gold — with Gubanova and Kim well within striking distance if the leaders blink.

The Saatva Skate America Grand Prix continues Saturday and Sunday streaming on Peacock and airing on E! and NBC.