In a revelation today, Radio 2 listeners have chosen “Like a Prayer” as their ultimate favorite Madonna song, securing the top spot in Your Ultimate Madonna Song – the Top 40 chart of single releases by Madonna Louise Ciccone. This momentous event coincides with the 35th anniversary of “Like a Prayer,” a chart-topping hit in the UK singles chart in March 1989.
Taking the runner-up position is “Vogue,” followed by “Into The Groove” at No. 3, “Papa Don’t Preach” at No. 4, and “Like A Virgin” rounding out the top five. The comprehensive chart, detailing the complete list, is provided below.
Madonna, revered globally as one of the greatest pop icons, will be celebrated on Radio 2 during the New Year’s Day three-hour show, “Your Ultimate Madonna Song,” hosted by Scott Mills from 2-5pm. Following this, Michelle Visage will present “My Queen – Madonna” from 5-6pm, and “Madonna at the BBC” will be aired from 6-7pm. Additional program details can be found below, and all broadcasts are exclusively available on BBC Sounds starting from Tuesday, 26th December, at 0001hrs.
The voting process, initiated in November on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show and concluding on Friday, 8th December, saw listeners selecting up to five of their preferred tracks from Madonna’s impressive collection of 61 Top Ten UK hits. Scott Mills, the host of Your Ultimate Madonna Song, will guide listeners through the countdown of the Top 40 chart, offering intriguing facts, statistics, and behind-the-scenes insights from BBC Archive interview clips featuring Madonna.
Scott Mills expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “’Like A Prayer’ is a phenomenal track that Radio 2 listeners have voted to top the chart in Your Ultimate Madonna Song. Join me in celebrating the icon that is Madonna on Radio 2 on New Year’s Day and right now on BBC Sounds!”
Jeff Smith, Radio 2’s Head of Music, shares the excitement, remarking, “Madonna has been inspiring fellow artists musically, artistically, and creatively for 40 years, so I’m delighted that Radio 2 listeners cast tens of thousands of votes for their favorite songs which can be enjoyed on New Year’s Day… or on BBC Sounds on Boxing Day if Madonna fans can’t wait that long!”
The Top 40 favorite Madonna singles, as voted for by Radio 2 listeners:
Like A Prayer (1989)
Vogue (1990)
Into The Groove (1985)
Papa Don’t Preach (1986)
Like A Virgin (1984)
Borderline (1986)
Crazy For You (1985)
Ray Of Light (1998)
Holiday (1984)
Material Girl (1985)
La Isla Bonita (1987)
Hung Up (2005)
Live To Tell (1986)
Frozen (1998)
True Blue (1986)
Beautiful Stranger (1999)
Express Yourself (1989)
Cherish (1989)
Open Your Heart (1986)
Dear Jessie (1989)
Music (2000)
This Used To Be My Playground (1992)
Justify My Love (1990)
Dress You Up (1985)
Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (1996)
Deeper and Deeper (1992)
Who’s That Girl (1987)
Don’t Tell Me (2000)
The Power Of Good-Bye (1998)
American Pie (2000)
You’ll See (1995)
Rain (1993)
4 Minutes [Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake] (2008)
Erotica (1992)
Hanky Panky (1990)
Sorry (2006)
Nothing Really Matters (1999)
Drowned World (Substitute For Love) (1998)
Die Another Day (2002)
What It Feels Like For A Girl (2001)
