Amber Glenn just got the ultimate seal of approval on her Olympic figure-skating routine set to Madonna‘s 1989 Billboard Hot 100-topper “Like a Prayer,” with the Queen of Pop herself sending the athlete into “shock” by recording a special personalized message for her ahead of the women’s short in Milan, Italy.
In footage shared by NBC Sports on Tuesday (Feb. 17), Glenn can barely contain her excitement while pressing play on a clip Madge filmed for her as a surprise. “I just watched you skate to my song ‘Like a Prayer,’ and I have to tell you, I was blown away by it,” the icon tells the skater, who covers her mouth in disbelief while listening. “So strong, so beautiful, so brave. I can’t imagine that you would not win. Go get that gold.”
It was a moment before Glenn could formulate a response. “Sorry, I’m in shock,” she says after the video ends. “Oh my God. I’m legitimately shaking.”
She then sends a message directly to Madonna. “My queen, thank you so much,” Glenn says. “You are beautiful, stunning, amazing, and you are an icon forever. Thank you for supporting athletes in their artistic endeavors. I hope I can do the song justice.”
The spontaneous pep talk from Madonna came shortly before Glenn competed on the ice for the women’s short, which ended with the American at 13th place in the overall skater standings. At press time, Team USA’s Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito are at third and eighth.
The 2026 Winter Games kicked off earlier in February. Prior to the women’s short, Glenn competed in the free skate with a routine set to Canadian artist CLANN’s “The Return.”
After the musician also known as Seb McKinnon voiced concern on social media that he hadn’t been asked permission before Glenn used his song in the free skate — ultimately winning a gold medal for her performance — both parties released statements confirming that all had been resolved.
“I discovered Seb McKinnon’s music (CLANN) two years ago and felt a deep connection to it,” she wrote at the time. “The issue of music rights can be complex and confusing. Seems like there was a hiccup in that whole process. I’m glad we cleared things up with Seb and I look forward to collaborating with him.”
