Janet Jackson Honored with Icon Award at the 2025 American Music Awards
Celebrating a Milestone Performance
Janet Jackson was honored with the prestigious Icon Award at the 2025 American Music Awards held in Las Vegas. In a night filled with nostalgia and celebration, Jackson marked her return to the stage with her first television performance in seven years. The pop legend electrified the audience by performing her classic hits “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You” at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
A Stunning Live Performance
Accompanied by a live band, Jackson showcased her undeniable talent and charisma while donning a striking Vetements denim outfit. Her performance was enhanced by a group of backup dancers, who executed dynamic choreography, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captivated the audience.
Acceptance Speech: A Humble Icon
Following her performance, actress Tasha Smith took the stage to introduce Jackson, who graciously accepted the Icon Award. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Jackson expressed her gratitude and humility. “I am so, so honored. I am so grateful,” she began. “I mean no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon. My family, myself—our dream wasn’t ever to be famous. We weren’t raised like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing, and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication.”
A Message of Inspiration
Jackson reflected on her journey, emphasizing that her story, and that of her family, is an “American story.” She expressed her desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams, stating, “The one thing that I hope for is that I’ve been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed.”
Gratitude to Supporters
In her speech, Jackson extended her thanks to her staff, management, and the many talented individuals she has collaborated with over the years. She acknowledged her family as her biggest supporters and expressed heartfelt appreciation for her fans, saying, “Because of you and God, I’m standing right here.”
A Call to Keep Faith Central
Concluding her speech, Jackson shared a poignant message: “I wanna thank the AMAs for this honor, which I am humbly grateful, and last but not least, I want to say, keep God in every part of your life, because that’s where he wants to be. I love you so much.”
Recent Works and Legacy
Jackson’s last studio album, “Unbreakable,” was released in 2015. Since then, the pop and R&B icon has been actively touring, revisiting her classic hits, and celebrating her past works through reissues, including a special 25th-anniversary edition of her acclaimed album “The Velvet Rope.” Her influence in the music industry continues to resonate, as evidenced by her previous recognition with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards in 2018, where she later presented the same accolade to Mary J. Blige in 2022.
Conclusion
Janet Jackson’s recognition at the 2025 American Music Awards serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the music industry. With her powerful performances and a heartfelt acceptance speech, she continues to inspire fans and fellow artists alike, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, and the love of music.
FAQs
What is the Icon Award at the American Music Awards?
The Icon Award is a special honor presented at the American Music Awards to recognize an artist’s influence and impact on the music industry over their career.
When was Janet Jackson’s last studio album released?
Janet Jackson’s last studio album, “Unbreakable,” was released in 2015.
What songs did Janet Jackson perform during the AMAs?
Janet Jackson performed “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You” during her performance at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Who introduced Janet Jackson at the awards ceremony?
Actress Tasha Smith introduced Janet Jackson before she accepted the Icon Award.
What message did Janet Jackson convey in her acceptance speech?
In her acceptance speech, Janet Jackson emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and keeping faith central in life, expressing her hope to inspire others to follow their dreams.
