MILAN – As American figure skater Amber Glenn prepares to compete in the women’s individual event at the Winter Olympics in Milan, she received a surprising boost of encouragement from a music icon: Madonna. The “Queen of Pop” sent Glenn a video message wishing her luck just before her short program, which is set to Madonna’s 1989 hit, “Like a Prayer.”
Madonna, having seen a clip of Glenn skating to her song, expressed her admiration in the video. “I have to tell you, I was blown away by it,” Madonna said to Glenn. “You are an incredible skater. So strong, so beautiful, so brave. I can’t imagine that you would not win. So, I just want to say good luck. Go get that gold.”
Glenn was visibly moved by the message, covering her mouth in surprise and later admitting she was “completely in shock” and “trembling.” She responded to Madonna, calling her “an icon and a legend forever” and expressing gratitude for the support of artists in athletic endeavors.
The gesture comes at a particularly interesting moment, as music rights have become a significant concern for skaters at the Milano-Cortina Games. Several athletes faced a last-minute scramble to secure music clearances, with some even forced to alter their routines entirely. Glenn herself was among those navigating these challenges.
Her free skate is set to “The Return” by Seb McKinnon, who produces music under the name CLANN. McKinnon publicly noted his surprise upon hearing the song during Glenn’s team event performance, which contributed to the United States winning the gold medal. He initially believed Glenn did not have the proper licensing for the track, which she had been using for two years. However, the issue was quickly resolved after a phone conversation between the two.
“I’m so honored that Amber chose my music for her routine and she went on to win gold!” McKinnon stated. “I’m glad we were able to sort things out amicably and both stand for protecting artists’ rights.”
Glenn, known for her candidness, had previously addressed the issue of music rights on the eve of the Olympics. She jokingly remarked that she would be thrilled even to receive a message from Madonna questioning her use of the song, simply for the opportunity to hear from the artist herself. She received the best possible outcome: Madonna’s blessing and enthusiastic support.
Glenn’s journey to the Olympics has also been notable for her representation as the first openly queer woman to compete for the United States in Olympic singles figure skating. This milestone adds another layer of significance to her performance and the outpouring of support she has received.
Beyond Madonna’s personal message, Glenn and her teammates, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito – collectively dubbed the “Blade Angels” – have garnered attention from other high-profile figures. Pop superstar Taylor Swift provided voiceover work for an NBC promotional spot highlighting the trio.
The situation with music rights underscores a growing awareness within the skating world regarding the complexities of intellectual property and the importance of securing proper clearances. While the challenges presented by the Milano-Cortina Games have been frustrating for some athletes, they have also sparked a conversation about protecting the rights of artists and ensuring fair compensation for their work.
As Glenn prepares for her individual event, she carries not only the hopes of the American team but also the encouragement of a global icon. The combination of her athletic talent, artistic expression, and the support of the music world positions her as a compelling figure to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
