Janet Jackson Shines in First TV Performance in Seven Years as 2025 AMAs Icon: 'I'm So Grateful'
In her first televised performance in seven years, Janet Jackson returned to the American Music Awards stage to prove exactly why she was this year's Icon Award recipient.
On Monday, which was also Memorial Day, the Queen of Pop, who is currently on her residency at Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas until September 20, slayed with a performance of two of her biggest dance hits "Someone to Call My Lover" and "All for You".
But while the "Rhythm Nation" singer was honored to be recognised, the often shy Jackson, who was presented the award by her Why Did I Get Married co-star and friend Tasha Smith, said she doesn't consider herself an icon.
"I am so, so honored, I'm so grateful. 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," she said.
"My story, my family's story, it's truly an American story. This would have only happened in America. The one thing that I hope for is that I've been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed."
Jackson went on to thank her staff, management, all the dancers, musicians and producers she has worked with throughout her career, her family "who have been my biggest supporters since birth" and her fans as it is "because of you and God I'm standing right here".
She continued, "I want to 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. Thank you."
Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who credited Jackson as having given her one of the biggest moments early in her career by picking her to be in the "That's the Way Love Goes" music video, the AMAs also featured performances by Gwen Stefani, who celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004), Gloria Estefan, who returned to the AMAs after 30 years, and Sir Rod Stewart who closed out the show with a rocking medley of hits.
As for Jackson, the "Control" singer's last time performing on TV was at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards while she was on her "State of the World" tour. Since then, the mother to eight-year-old son Eissa has completed two more concert tours Janet Jackson: A Special 30th Anniversary Celebration of Rhythm Nation (2019) and Together Again (2023-2024), along with two residencies Janet Jackson: Metamorphosis (2019) and her current residency Jackson Jackson: Las Vegas (2024-2025).
With no plans of stopping anytime soon, the 59-year-old, who first set foot on the AMAs stage 52 years ago, has continued to show fans around the world just why she is considered "The Blueprint".
Through hard word, dedication, perseverance, perfecting her craft, overcoming adversity in the public eye, and stepping out of her family's shadow, especially her brother Michael, and creating her own lane, Janet Jackson, in the words of Wendy Williams, is an icon, a legend, and the moment.
