MILAN (AP) — Madonna is not answering the prayers of U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn.
More like a wish and a dream.
Before Glenn performed a short program set to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” at the Cortina Games in Milan on Tuesday night, she received a video from the “pop diva” wishing her well in her individual competition at the Winter Games.
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It turns out Madonna had seen clips of Glenn performing her songs.
“I have to tell you, I was blown away by it,” Madonna tells Glenn in the video. “You are an incredible skater. So strong, so beautiful, so brave. I can’t imagine you not winning. So I just want to say good luck to you. Go get the gold medal.”
Glenn covered his mouth in surprise.
“I was shocked. I was completely shocked,” she said. “I’m literally shaking. Oh my God.”
Madonna isn’t the only big-name celebrity to support Glenn and teammates Alyssa Liu and Isabelle Levito, who call themselves the “Blade Angels.” Pop superstar Taylor Swift provided voiceover for an NBC commercial highlighting them.
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Music copyright issues became a big issue for figure skaters during the Cortina Games in Milan. Some had to make frantic last-minute attempts to get their show’s music approved, and some were even forced to change their show entirely.
Glenn was one of the people who had a problem.
Her free skate number was “The Return” by Seb McKinnon, who produces music under the name CLANN. He posted on social media that he was surprised to hear the song when Glenn performed it during the team competition, which helped the U.S. win the gold medal.
McKinnon said Glenn did not receive proper permission to use the song, even though it had been part of her plans for the past two years. But a few days later, the two spoke on the phone and managed to work things out.
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“I’m honored that Amber chose my music as her routine and won a gold medal!” said McKinnon. “I am pleased that the matter has been resolved amicably and that we all support the protection of artists’ rights.”
The outspoken Glenn was asked about music rights in the run-up to the Olympics. “If I did hear from Madonna saying she didn’t want me to skate to her music, I would be happy to hear from Madonna,” she said at the time.
Glenn ended up getting the best of both worlds.
“You are an icon and a legend forever,” Glenn said in response to Madonna’s video. “Thank you for your support of athletes’ artistic endeavors and I hope I can do this song justice. Thank you.”
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AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
