Madonna Reaches Out to Amber Glenn Before Challenging Olympic Performance

Madonna Sends Encouragement to Queer Skater Amber Glenn

Renowned pop icon Madonna surprised Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn with a heartfelt message of encouragement ahead of Glenn's short program routine at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Glenn, who is openly bisexual and pansexual, made history as the first queer woman figure skater to compete for the United States at the Olympics.

Before her performance on February 17th, set to Madonna's "Like A Prayer," Glenn was handed a phone containing a special video message from the Queen of Pop herself. Madonna praised Glenn, calling her an incredible skater and expressing confidence in her abilities.

“I have to tell you, I was blown away by it,” Madonna said in the video. “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 overwhelmed by the surprise and expressed her gratitude with tears in her eyes. "Oh my god, I’m legitimately shaking. Oh my god," Glenn said, visibly emotional after watching the video. "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."

The skater, although buoyed by Madonna's message, faced a challenging performance. Despite successfully executing a triple axel, Glenn's routine did not go as planned, resulting in a 13th place finish out of 29 competitors, with a score of 67.39. Heartbroken by the result, Glenn was seen with her head in her hands, tears flowing as her score was announced.

Facing Challenges Beyond the Ice

Glenn's Olympic journey has been marked by more than just athletic challenges. She has faced significant adversity off the ice as well. In recent weeks, Glenn announced she would be reducing her presence on social media after receiving an overwhelming amount of hate and threats due to her outspoken support for the LGBTQ+ community at the Games.

Glenn had spoken about the difficulties faced by the queer community under the current political climate in the United States, specifically during the administration led by Donald Trump. "It’s been a hard time for the community overall in this administration," she noted, emphasizing the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing struggle for human rights.

"I think that we are able to support each other in a way that we didn’t have to before, and because of that, it’s made us a lot stronger," she added, highlighting the resilience and solidarity within the community.

Her comments drew backlash from right-wing supporters, prompting Glenn to address the situation on her Instagram profile. "When I chose to utilize one of the amazing things about the United States of America (freedom of speech) to convey how I feel as an athlete competing for Team USA in a troubling time for many Americans, I am now receiving a scary amount of hate/threats for simply using my voice when asked about how I feel," she wrote.

Despite anticipating some negative reactions, Glenn admitted she was disappointed by the level of hostility she encountered. "I will be limiting my time on social media for my own well-being for now. But, I will never stop using my voice for what I believe in," she asserted.

The 2026 Winter Olympics have showcased not only the athletic prowess of LGBTQ+ athletes like Glenn but also their courage in standing up for their rights and the rights of their communities. While the Games presented Glenn with unforeseen challenges both on and off the ice, her determination and the support from allies like Madonna continue to inspire many.

In the face of adversity, Glenn remains a symbol of strength and resilience, embodying the spirit of perseverance and pride that defines the LGBTQ+ community on the global stage.

As she continues her journey, Glenn's story serves as a reminder of the power of support, visibility, and advocacy in sports and beyond.