Amber Glenn short program song, explained: Why Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' has special meaning for U.S. figure skater

Olympic figure skating may be nearing its conclusion. But there's still time for fireworks in women's singles, the biggest draw in one of the Olympics' biggest sports.

Twenty-nine stars will take the ice during the two-day competition, which will see skaters complete routines in short program and free skate. Few of those talents are as notable — at least as far as U.S. audiences are concerned — as American standout Amber Glenn.

The 26-year-old is something of an anomaly in the field. For starters, Glenn is older than most of her adversaries. She also is openly bisexual and pansexual. Her openness with regards to her sexuality has made her a hit for the viewing public, particularly those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community.

Moreover, Glenn's performances are artful. Her skating style is elegant. But it's also intense.

Glenn's personality comes out when she prances onto the ice. It's especially notable when a famous refrain spills from stadium speakers as she darts from one end of the rink to the other.

With that, here's what you need to know about Glenn's short program — namely, its soundtrack.

MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule

Why Amber Glenn uses Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' for short program

Glenn's song of choice for her short program is a familiar track to figure skating enthusiasts of a certain age. When she takes the ice on short, she does so with Madonna's 1989 smash hit, "Like a Prayer."

The song is an iconic one, the focal point in the beloved album of the same name that went on to sell more than 15 million copies worldwide. But it predates Glenn by 10 years. So, why did she feel so drawn to the ditty?

Glenn credits her choreographer, Catherine Hill, with the assist.

"'Like a Prayer' was a suggestion from my choreographer," Glenn told USA Today.

Glenn was initially unconvinced, associating the tune with a children's choir cover of the track that was featured during two sequences in the 2024 film, "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Hill was persistent in her push for Glenn to use the song, however. After parsing through the lyrics, Glenn was sold.

"Eventually, we really explored the meaning behind it and the passion that we could really pour into the program," Glenn said. "I'm really happy with how it came out."

MORE: Full guide to figure skating scoring system

"Like a Prayer" lyrics

Life is a mystery
Everyone must stand alone
I hear you call my name
And it feels like home

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

I hear your voice
It's like an angel sighing
I have no choice
I hear your voice
Feels like flying
I close my eyes
Oh God, I think I'm falling
Out of the sky
I close my eyes
Heaven, help me

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

Like a child
You whisper softly to me
You're in control
Just like a child
Now I'm dancing
It's like a dream
No end and no beginning
You're here with me
It's like a dream
Let the choir sing

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

Life is a mystery
Everyone must stand alone
I hear you call my name
And it feels like home

Just like a prayer
Your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me
You are a mystery
Just like a dream
You are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice
Your voice can take me there

Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me

Just like a prayer
Your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me
You are a mystery
Just like a dream
You are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice
Your voice can take me there

Just like a prayer
Your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me
You are a mystery
Just like a dream
You are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice
Your voice can take me there
Your voice can take me there
Like a prayer

Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer

MORE: What to know about Amber Glenn's sexuality

Madonna shouts out Amber Glenn for short program

Glenn wasn't the only person satisfied with her short program. Madonna praised the 26-year-old for her skating prowess on Instagram on Feb. 10, dubbing Glenn the "Baddie on Ice." 

She went one step further ahead of Glenn's women's singles event. The "Queen of Pop" lauded Glenn in a video message shown to the figure skater by NBC Sports staff.

"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," Madonna said. "You are an incredible skater. So strong, so beautiful, so brave. I can't imagine you would not win."

Glenn was taken aback by the gesture.

"I'm in shock, I'm in complete shock." Glenn said as she watched the video. "I'm legitimately shaking. Oh my god."

MORE: Inside Team USA's 'Alt, Gay and from New Jersey' figure skating team