Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s Billboard Hot 100-topping smash “Despacito” dominated 2017, and now the 2018 Winter Olympics are here to remind you that “Despacito” will never die. During the short program of the ice-dancing competition (which broadcast Sunday in the United States), not one, but three separate teams tapped “Despacito” as the soundtrack to their ice-dancing routines. It wasn’t entirely random — the competitors were required to incorporate a Latin rhythm into their music, so, naturally, numerous pairs turned to the most inescapable Latin hit of 2017.
China’s Xinyu Liu and Shiyue Wang, South Korea’s Alexander Gamelin and Yura Min (both American-born skaters) and Poland’s Maksym Spodyriev and Natalia Kaliszek skated to versions of “Despacito” during their ice dances.
Even if you’re sick of the ubiquitous smash (see Leslie Jones’ tweet below), you’ve got to give these teams credit for turning to Latin artists for Latin rhythms — especially when another pair used Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” as their Latin soundtrack … no bueno.
I’m desperately needing not to hear “Despotito” again. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! pic.twitter.com/WCqXVOSvhh
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) February 19, 2018
This story first appeared on Billboard.com.
