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 Magic.
Take a look through Madonna's amazing career:
1985: Madonna performing on 'The Virgin Tour'
1985: Madonna performs at Live Aid
1987: Channelling her inner Marilyn Monroe for 'Who's That Girl'
1990: The iconic pointy corset was worn on Madonna's 'Blonde Ambition' tour
1993: Madonna went for a close pixie crop hairdo on her 'Girlie Show' tour
Evita
Releasing Jeeves after Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew chose a biographical topic for his next musical - focusing on the life of Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine President Juan Perón. The show's most famous song is 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina', and was made into a film in 1996 with Madonna in the lead role (pictured) starring alongside Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Pryce.
1998: She went for a more natural, stripped back look to promote 'Ray Of Light'
1998: In the same year, she went drastically dark for the 'Frozen' music video
2001: Looking sleek at the Mean Machine premiere with her then-husband Guy Ritchie
2004: She was back to curly blonde locks for the 'Reinvention Tour'
2008: She was looking fierce in black on her 'Sticky & Sweet Tour'
2012: She gave the cheerleading performance of her life on the 'MDNA Tour'
2013: She chose a blunt black wig for the Punk-themed Met Gala
2015: Madonna caught everyone's eye with her Matador performance at the BRIT Awards - especially with that cape
2017: She turned heads in camo at the Met Gala
2019: Madonna sported an eye patch for her performance at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest
2020: The London Palladium
Madonna's appearance after her performance at The London Palladium in January 2020 is one of the only times she has been photographed in the last couple of years!
2022: Madonna joins Columbian singer Maluma on stage
Madonna was the special guest of Columbian singer Maluma at his hometown show in Medellín on 30th April. They performed her 2000 hit 'Music' together as well as a rendition of their song 'Medellín' from her 2019 album 'Madame X'.
Backed by a group of dancers, Madonna stood out in a pink dress and plenty of bling.
2022: Madonna breaks Billboard record
Madonna has become the first female artist to have a Billboard Number 1 album in each of the last five decades.
2023: Madonna announced 'The Celebration Tour'
Madonna announced 'The Celebration Tour' on 17th January. The singer will be performing hits from the last 40 years, and the show will pay respect to New York City, where her career in music began.
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