In the 2005–2006 season, Lysacek again competed on the Grand Prix. He placed second at the 2005 Skate America, but it was clear that his "Grease" free skate was not working. Lysacek and coach Frank Carroll made the decision to find a new long program. Lysacek's new "Carmen" program was a success at the 2005 NHK Trophy, where Lysacek placed second. Lysacek was the only American man to qualify for the 2005–2006 Grand Prix Final, but he withdrew before the event because of bursitis and tendinitis in his right hip.