Janet Jackson is forever an icon — especially at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), where she was honored with the prestigious ICON Award on Tuesday, May 13. This recognition not only celebrates her remarkable body of work but also underscores her influence and legacy in the music industry.
Before accepting the accolade, Jackson set the stage ablaze with a powerful performance. Clad in loose-fitting jeans, a white puffer coat, and a white t-shirt, Jackson kicked off her set with the infectious melody of her 2001 classic “Someone to Call My Lover.”
The audience was then treated to a funky rendition of her iconic hit “All for You,” which featured an exhilarating dance break and a striking guitar solo that showcased her versatility as an artist.
Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty The award was presented to Jackson by Tasha Smith, who delivered a heartfelt and moving introduction. As Janet stepped to the microphone, her humility was palpable.
“I love you so much,” she began her acceptance speech, expressing profound gratitude for the recognition. Despite receiving the honor, she insisted, “I do not consider myself an icon,” emphasizing her modest view of her contributions to music.
Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Jackson reflected on her family’s journey, detailing how their aspirations were rooted not in fame but in a genuine love for music and performance. “My story, my family’s story, is truly an American story,” she remarked, hinting at the unique cultural context that shaped her career. She expressed a wish for her work to inspire future generations, encouraging artists to “follow their dreams and succeed.”
https://twitter.com/AMAs/status/1927177474187608363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1927177474187608363%7Ctwgr%5Ed0f4439b978f456bb10599eeb3d79be3f1260f31%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeople.com%2Fembed%3Furl%3Dhttps3A2F2Fx.com2FAMAs2Fstatus2F1927177474187608363id%3Dmntl-sc-block_8-0-iframeoptions%3De303DdocId%3D11737942With 11 AMA awards under her belt, the ICON Award serves as a testament to Jackson’s undeniable cultural and global influence within the music industry.
The AMAs define this honor as being bestowed upon musicians whose contributions resonate deeply with audiences around the world, and Janet Jackson’s illustrious career epitomizes this definition.
