U.S. Figure Skater Amber Glenn Reacts To Madonna's Message Ahead Of Short Program

Glenn, whose dress is inspired by the singer and who worked with one of her dancers ahead of the Games, is set to perform her 1989 hit on Tuesday.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn, one of three 'Blade Angels' competing for the Stars and Stripes in Milan, was shocked to receive a special message from Madonna, the music icon behind the soundtrack to her short program at this year's Winter Olympics. Glenn, who rocked a dress inspired by Madonna and who worked with one of her dancers ahead of the Games, is set to skate to the singer's 1989 hit 'Like A Prayer' on Tuesday afternoon.

Why it matters

Glenn is the first openly queer woman to represent Team USA in women's singles figure skating, and her performance to Madonna's iconic song is seen as a powerful statement of LGBTQ+ representation and artistry in the sport.

The details

In a clip shared by NBC's On Her Turf, Glenn reacted to a surprise video clip from Madonna herself, who revealed that she'd seen one of the skater's performances and was 'blown away' by it. Madonna praised Glenn as 'so strong, so beautiful' and 'so brave,' and expressed confidence that the skater can win gold at the Games.

  • The competition is set to start on the ice at 12:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

The players

Amber Glenn

A U.S. figure skater competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, who is the first openly queer woman to represent Team USA in women's singles figure skating.

Madonna

A legendary pop icon whose 1989 hit 'Like A Prayer' is the soundtrack for Amber Glenn's short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I have to tell, I was blown away by it. You are an incredible skater.”

— Madonna (NBC's On Her Turf)

“Sorry, I'm in shock, I'm in complete shock. Oh my god! I'm legitimately shaking. Oh my god!”

— Amber Glenn, U.S. Figure Skater (NBC's On Her Turf)

“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, and thank you for supporting athletes in their artistic ventures, and I hope I can do the song justice.”

— Amber Glenn, U.S. Figure Skater (NBC's On Her Turf)

What’s next

Glenn, along with her U.S. teammates Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, hope to take women's singles gold in the short program on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Amber Glenn's performance to Madonna's iconic 'Like A Prayer' at the 2026 Winter Olympics represents a powerful moment of LGBTQ+ representation and artistry in figure skating, as the first openly queer woman to compete for Team USA in the event.