Madonna celebrates 34 years of 'Like A Prayer' by sharing a previously banned commercial
The song was released in 1989
Last updated 13th Sep 2023
Way back in 1989, Madonna released her massively popular song 'Like A Prayer'. The song went on to become a hit around the world, reaching Number 1 in many countries, including the UK and USA, as well as being certified Platinum.
Ahead of the song's release, Madonna signed a huge deal with Pepsi, who would use the singer and her song in their new commercial, as well as sponsoring her next world tour.
The advert showed Madonna sitting down to watch some old black and white videos of herself, while she drinks Pepsi. However, the commercial was later banned, following the release of the music video, which sparked outrage amongst religious organisations, due to its content.
Now, 34 years later, Pepsi have released the advert, with Madonna also sharing it, with an explanation on her social media. Writing on Instagram, the singer said: '34 years ago I made a commercial with Pepsi to celebrate the release of my song Like a Prayer.
'The commercial was immediately canceled when I refused to change any scenes in the video where I was kissing a black saint or burning crosses.'
She continued: 'So began my illustrious career as an artist refusing to compromise my artistic integrity. Thank you @pepsi for finally realizing the genius of our collaboration. 😄
'Artists are here to disturb the peace.' (sic)
Since sharing the advert, both celebrity fans and others have been leaving comments, fashion designer Donatella Versace wrote: 'The one and only, M 🖤', with drummer Jonathan 'Sugarfoot' Moffett writing: 'Honored to have been a part of “Like A Prayer”! ❤️'. (sic)
Other fans wrote: 'QUEEN OF REVOLUTION!!! ❤️👌🏻👸🏼 @madonna', and another commented: 'Iconic! ❤️QUEEN 👑👑🎼🎵🎸 Always ahead of the curve. Legend'.
Watch the music video for Madonna's 'Like A Prayer'
Madonna is now due to embark on a huge world tour to celebrate more than 40 years of being in the music industry, with many UK dates of her 'Celebration Tour' already sold out.
You can hear songs by Madonna on Greatest Hits Radio.
Take a look through Madonna's amazing career:
1985
Madonna is pictured here performing on 'The Virgin Tour', her debut concert tour that she took through the US and Canada. Madonna worked with designer Maripol for her fashion through the 80s, including for the tour.
1985
Madonna performed at Live Aid, taking to the stage in Philadelphia to perform 'Into The Groove' and 'Holiday' in a multi-layered outfit.
1987
She channelled her inner Marilyn Monroe for the 'Who's That Girl World Tour', performing in the US and Canada, Japan, the UK and Europe.
1990
Madonna debuted her iconic pointy bra corset on the 'Blonde Ambition World Tour'. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, Madonna made a statement with the item during the song 'Express Yourself'.
1993
Madonna went for a close pixie crop hairdo on her 'Girlie Show' tour, and the fashion for this tour was designed by Dolce & Gabbana with instructions from Madonna herself to look at films My Fair Lady and Cabaret for inspiration.
1998
Madonna favoured a more natural, stripped back look to promote her seventh album, 'Ray Of Light'. The music video saw her wear a denim jacket with trousers featuring a glittered belt, as clips of her singing the song were interspersed between sped up scenes from around the world. It won a GRAMMY Award as well as five MTV VMAs.
2001
She opted for a sleeker look at the film premiere for Mean Machine with her then-husband Guy Ritchie, sporting the poker-straight, feathered hairdo that's become synonymous with the early noughties.
2004
She was back to curly blonde locks for the 'Reinvention World Tour', working with designers Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld among others to create the on-stage looks, including this bejewelled corset.
2008
Emulating Guns 'N Roses bassist Slash, Madonna looked fierce in black with a top hat on her 'Sticky & Sweet Tour', on which she worked once again with Stella McCartney among others.
2012
Madonna gave the cheerleading performance of her life on the 'MDNA Tour'. Working once again with Jean Paul Gaultier, the performance was split into four themes: Transgression, Prophecy, Masculine/Feminine and Redemption and, according to Madonna, showed "the journey of a soul from darkness to light".
2013
She chose a blunt black wig for the Punk-themed Met Gala, wearing an outfit by Givenchy.
2015
Madonna caught everyone's eye with her Matador performance at The BRIT Awards - and despite a blunder with the cape, she still delivered an incredible show.
2017
Once again, Madonna turned heads at the Met Gala with a camo gown by Moschino. She told Entertainment Tonight: "We knew we wanted to go with camouflage from the very start. We started with the flak jacket, and then we worked our way down. So, you know, we're ready. We're ready to go to fashion war. It's going to be a fun night."
2019
Madonna sported an eye patch for her performance at the Eurovision Song Contest, using this era to perform as her alter ego Madame X who she saw as a "spy" or "secret agent".
2022
Madonna channelled her 80s looks for this outfit in 2022, which she wore to a roller disco event at DiscoOasis at Wolman Rink in Central Park, New York.
2024
Madonna took to the stage at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro during her 'The Celebration Tour', wearing an eye-catching and colourful corset dress and long gloves made up of the colours of Brazil's flag. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, it's certainly reminiscent of his cone bra corset from all those years ago.
2026
Madonna was brought out as a guest at Coachella 2026 by headliner Sabrina Carpenter, as the pair performed her songs 'Vogue' and 'Like A Prayer', with her lilac ensemble reported to be pulled from her "personal archives".
Now read:
Everything you need to know about 'Madonna: The Celebration Tour'
19 of Madonna's most iconic looks and moments through the years
Madonna through the years: The queen of pop and fashion icon's career story