37 Years Ago, A No. 1 Hit Song Sparked a Backlash That Cost $5 Million

One of the most iconic singers in music history seemed untouchable until her hit song sparked outrage so intense that it triggered a staggering and costly corporate reversal.

In 1989, one of the decade's most controversial songs hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart on November 18, held the top spot for three weeks, and charted for a total of 16 weeks. Madonna's "Like a Prayer" was a monster success until it unleashed a backlash so fierce that it led to a $5 million ad campaign being completely abandoned.