Madonna released the 1989 music video Like a Prayer, which combines black-and-white and color imagery.
The video follows Madonna as she witnesses a crime, seeks refuge in a church, and encounters religious imagery alongside scenes of racial injustice. It includes burning crosses and a statue that appears to come to life, creating a provocative blend of Catholic symbolism, sexuality, and social themes.
Mary Lambert directed the clip. Its imagery generated intense debate before and after the song’s release, and the controversy became a major part of the video’s public identity. The video also appeared in a Pepsi advertising campaign, but the company withdrew the campaign after the backlash surrounding the song and clip.
The performer is sometimes confused with the actor who appears as the saint-like figure, but Madonna is the singer and central on-screen character. Like a Prayer remains one of the clearest examples of a music video becoming a major cultural event beyond its song.