Amber Glen received permission from Madonna to use her song for her Olympic figure skating routine, receiving supportive messages from the singer but ultimately finishing in 13th place.
Amber Glen, a U.S. figure skater, found relief in receiving permission from Madonna to use her hit song 'Like a Prayer' during her short program at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The use of popular music in figure skating competitions has become a contentious issue due to copyright concerns, and athletes have had to navigate these complexities carefully. Glen expressed her admiration for Madonna, stating that receiving any message from the singer would be a great honor, signaling the importance of these permissions in the competitive landscape.
In a heartfelt video message, Madonna praised Glen, stating, 'You’re a wonderful skater, strong, beautiful, and brave,' while encouraging her to strive for the gold medal. Despite the encouragement from such an iconic artist, Glen's performance did not meet expectations; she struggled with a critical triple loop jump, which she had to downgrade to a double, leading to a disappointing score of 67.39 and a final standing of 13th place, thereby diminishing her chances for a medal in the event.
The controversy surrounding copyright in figure skating continues, with skaters increasingly opting for contemporary music in their routines. The International Skating Union (ISU) has also expressed a commitment to addressing the copyright issues within the sport, as it remains a critical topic for athletes and organizers alike. Glen's situation highlights the ongoing struggle skaters face in balancing artistic expression with legal requirements in the world of competitive sports.
