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Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' Dominates Billboard, Defines Era

3/9/2026

45 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Madonna spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985 with Like a Virgin.
The track formed a six-week chart run starting in late 1984.
It was Madonna's fourth Top 40 hit.
Despite initial controversy, Like a Virgin became a massive success and helped establish Madonna as a dominant figure, contributing to her 12 No. 1 singles.

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Story summary

Madonna spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985 with Like a Virgin.
The track formed a six-week chart run starting in late 1984.
It was Madonna's fourth Top 40 hit.
Despite initial controversy, Like a Virgin became a massive success and helped establish Madonna as a dominant figure, contributing to her 12 No. 1 singles.