Quick Read
- Janet Jackson will receive the Icon Award at the 2025 AMAs.
- The ceremony will air live on May 26 from Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
- Jackson will perform on TV for the first time in seven years.
- Jennifer Lopez will host the event, airing on CBS and Paramount+.
- This marks the AMAs’ return after a two-year hiatus.
Janet Jackson Honored with Icon Award at 2025 AMAs
Janet Jackson, a global music icon and cultural trailblazer, is set to receive the prestigious Icon Award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs). The event, scheduled for May 26, will be broadcast live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and marks the AMAs’ return after a two-year hiatus. Jackson’s recognition highlights her immense contributions to the music industry and pop culture over a career spanning more than four decades.
First Televised Performance in Seven Years
In addition to receiving the Icon Award, Janet Jackson will perform live on television for the first time since 2018. Her last televised performance was at the Billboard Music Awards, where she delivered a powerful speech addressing the #MeToo movement. This year’s AMAs will provide fans with a rare opportunity to witness Jackson’s legendary stage presence as she performs during her Las Vegas residency at Resorts World Theatre, which begins on May 21.
A Storied Career of Unparalleled Achievements
Janet Jackson’s career is a testament to her enduring influence and artistry. With over 180 million records sold worldwide, she ranks among the best-selling artists in history. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, two Emmys, a Golden Globe, and 11 American Music Awards. Albums like Control, Rhythm Nation 1814, and janet. have redefined pop music, breaking records and setting new standards for artistic excellence.
Notably, Control became the first album by a woman to generate five top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits, while Rhythm Nation 1814 remains the only album to deliver seven top-five singles. Her influence extends beyond music, with groundbreaking contributions to fashion, choreography, and social activism.
Jennifer Lopez to Host the 2025 AMAs
The 2025 AMAs will be hosted by Jennifer Lopez, marking her second time in this role. Lopez, a three-time AMA winner, has a long history with the awards show, having performed more than 10 times. Her connection with Janet Jackson adds a layer of significance to the event, as Lopez began her career as a backup dancer for Jackson in the early 1990s.
Lopez’s hosting duties come as she continues to make waves in music, film, and television. Her return to the AMAs stage is highly anticipated, especially given her history of delivering memorable performances.
The AMAs Return with New Categories
After a two-year hiatus, the American Music Awards are making a comeback with three new categories: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Social Song of the Year. The ceremony will also feature tributes to U.S. troops and veterans, presented in collaboration with the Easy Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting veterans’ transition to civilian life.
Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s nominations with 10 nods across seven categories, setting the stage for a night of celebration and recognition of musical excellence.
Janet Jackson’s Legacy Continues
Janet Jackson’s influence remains as strong as ever. Earlier this year, her 2001 single “Someone to Call My Lover” went viral on social media, resulting in a 1,400% increase in U.S. on-demand streams, according to Luminate. This resurgence underscores her ability to connect with new generations of fans while maintaining her status as a cultural icon.
Her recent achievements include a record-breaking 2023 tour, a critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency, and a self-produced documentary that drew 20 million viewers in its first week. Jackson’s collaborations with fashion designers like Thom Browne further cement her position at the forefront of style and innovation.
As the youngest member of the Jackson family, Janet has consistently carved her own path, earning recognition from institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in 2019. Her acceptance speech highlighted her family’s impact on global culture and her determination to succeed on her own terms.
With her upcoming performance at the AMAs and her ongoing Las Vegas residency, Janet Jackson continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. The 2025 American Music Awards promise to be a night to remember, celebrating the legacy of an artist who has shaped the course of music history.
The 2025 AMAs will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+, offering fans around the world the chance to witness this historic moment in music.
Source: Rollingstone, Aninews, Thenews, Essence