Madonna’s hit 1989 single ‘Like A Prayer’ was one of the most controversial songs of the 20th century, and even earned condemnation from the Vatican for the music video’s use of religious imagery.
The pop star made a deal with Pepsi to debut the song at the Grammy Awards that year, but after its release, the track drew so much ire that people began to boycott the brand, prompting them to pull out of the deal and cancel her contract.
The Vatican spoke out against the song due to the music video’s inclusion of burning crosses, Madonna kissing a saint, and Catholic symbols like the stigmata.
“The video is a blasphemy and insult because it shows immorals inside a church,” said Italian Roman Catholic historian Roberto de Mattei, before the Vatican tried to block her from performing in Italy on her world tour.
“I am aware that the Vatican and certain communities are accusing my show of being sinful and blasphemous, that they are trying to keep people from seeing it,” Madonna said in a statement. “I think I’m offending certain groups, but I think that people who really understand what I’m doing aren’t offended by it.”
Despite the controversy, ‘Like A Prayer’ hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, thanks in part to MTV’s insistence on playing the video even when other TV stations refused to.
30 years later, Madonna paid tribute to her hit song in an Instagram post, writing: “30 years ago today I released ‘Like a Prayer’ and made a video that caused so much controversy because I kissed a black saint and danced in front of burning crosses!”
“I also made a commercial with PEPSI that was banned because my video was seen as inappropriate??? Happy Birthday to Me and Controversy!”
Read the full article here
