Beatport, Warner Music Group, and music legend Madonna have joined forces to launch the Ray of Light Global Remix Challenge, inviting producers from around the world to reimagine Madonna’s 1998 classic “Ray of Light.” Running from August 28 through September 25, 2025, the competition allows participants to download official stems from Madonna and longtime collaborator William Orbit and submit their remixes via Beatport’s Label Radar platform. The winner will be revealed on October 15, 2025, exclusively on Beatportal, Beatport’s editorial home for global DJ culture.
The contest coincides with the long-awaited release of Veronica Electronica, a companion project to Ray of Light featuring newly edited club remixes by William Orbit, Peter Rauhofer, Sasha, BT, and Victor Calderone. Originally intended for release in 1998 but shelved due to the album’s runaway success, the project finally sees the light of day more than two decades later. When it debuted, Ray of Light represented a bold sonic shift for Madonna, moving away from pure pop into electronic, ambient-infused territory. Produced in collaboration with Orbit, the record went on to sell more than 16 million copies worldwide and earned Madonna four GRAMMY® Awards, including “Best Dance Recording” for its iconic title track.
When it dropped in 1998, Ray of Light marked a radical departure for Madonna, blending electronic, ambient, and club textures into a new sonic era. Produced alongside Orbit, the album sold more than 16 million copies worldwide and earned Madonna four GRAMMY® Awards, including “Best Dance Recording” for the title track.
Madonna: “My appreciation for the art of remixing has been passionate since I started making music. The ability to propel boundaries and do the unexpected is something I can relate to as an artist. I look forward to hearing everyone’s interpretation—don’t hold back.”
To enter, producers must first download the official stems via Beatportal, then redeem a free Excite Audio Bloom Drum Machine Lite plugin (valued at $29) using the code rayoflight at checkout, before submitting their remix through Label Radar ahead of the September 25 deadline. The grand prize, valued at more than $12,000, includes a signed Ray of Light vinyl from Madonna, iLoud Micro Monitor Pro speakers by IK Multimedia, the “Everything Minimal” bundle from Minimal Audio, a Pure Tube microphone by Lewitt, DT 1990 PRO MKII headphones by Beyerdynamic, the SonicBundle by UVI, and additional professional gear and software.
With its mix of rare stems, valuable prizes, and Madonna’s blessing, the Ray of Light Global Remix Challenge offers producers a unique opportunity to leave their mark on one of the most transformative and celebrated tracks in modern pop and electronic music history.
