Madonna already had two hit singles under her belt when she released her third, “Holiday,” as catchy as the previous two. She was still somewhat unknown, however, when she decided to take her act to the one place where she could have the biggest audience — Dick Clark’s television show American Bandstand.

On this day, January 14, in 1984, Madonna appeared for the first time on television, lip-synching her way through “Holiday.” The audience loved it, shaking in time with the music, and cheering for minutes afterwards.

The audience was still riled up when the song ended and Dick Clark attempted his customary post-performance interview. In between cheers he asked the up-and-coming starlet what her hopes were for the future and her professional career. “To rule the world,” Madonna answered.