American figure skating star Amber Glenn experienced an unforgettable moment of shock and awe when one of her musical heroes delivered a personal message of support before her Olympic debut. The emotional encounter left the athlete visibly trembling and struggling for words during a media session.
A Surprise from a Pop Icon
Glenn, who competes as part of the United States women's figure skating team nicknamed the 'Blade Angels,' was preparing for her short program performance scheduled for Tuesday evening in Milan. While her teammates Isabeau Levito and Alysa Liu have selected different musical accompaniments, Glenn has chosen to skate to Madonna's classic 1980s anthem 'Like A Prayer.'
During a routine media availability, organizers presented Glenn with what they described as a video from a 'special fan.' When she pressed play, the skater immediately recognized the iconic face appearing on screen and reacted with stunned disbelief.
The Queen of Pop's Personal Message
In the heartfelt recording, Madonna addressed Glenn directly with words of admiration and encouragement. "Amber Glenn, I just watched you skate to my song 'Like A Prayer' and I have to tell you, I was blown away by it," the music legend declared.
The pop icon continued with effusive praise, stating: "You are... 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."
An Overwhelming Reaction
Following the video's conclusion, Glenn remained in a state of visible shock, placing her hand over her mouth as she processed what had just occurred. "Sorry, I'm in shock, I'm in complete shock. Oh my god, I'm legitimately shaking," the athlete confessed to cameras.
Recovering slightly, Glenn expressed her gratitude toward the musical icon, saying: "My queen, thank you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. You are beautiful, stunning, amazing, and you are an icon, a legend, forever."
She added: "Thank you for supporting athletes and their artistic ventures and I hope I can do the song justice. Thank you, thank you."
Historical Significance and Team Context
Glenn's Olympic participation carries additional historical significance as she represents the first openly queer woman figure skater to compete for Team USA. The athlete has publicly identified as both bisexual and pansexual, bringing greater visibility to LGBTQ+ representation in elite sports.
Her choreographer, Katherine Hill, shared insights about the extraordinary moment during an interview with Olympic gold medalist skater Brian Boitano for USA Today Sports. "How cool is that?" Hill exclaimed when asked about Madonna's surprise message.
"It's spectacular, I mean come on, who wouldn't love that, right?" the choreographer continued. "It's like a dream come true, she knows that Madonna is aware of her and watching her. I mean, you can't get any better than that."
Olympic Preparations and Performance
The 'Blade Angels' team faces intense competition as they pursue Olympic glory in Milan. Glenn's selection of Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' represents both a personal tribute and a strategic artistic choice, blending athletic prowess with musical interpretation.
As the American women's figure skating team prepares for their short program performances, Glenn carries with her not only the hopes of her nation but now also the direct encouragement of one of pop music's most enduring icons. The unexpected endorsement from Madonna has provided an emotional boost that teammates and coaches hope will translate into a medal-winning performance on the Olympic stage.
