Janet Jackson is truly an icon who doesn’t necessarily need an award to prove it. But what’s one more to add to her collection of 74 awards she’s already snagged?
CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced on May 13 that Jackson will be honored with the ICON Award at the “2025 American Music Awards.” The night that promises unforgettable performances will also include the pop star’s first televised performance since 2018. It will be held on Memorial Day at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Multi-talented actress and singer Jennifer Lopez will host the 51st AMAs. It’ll air live at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on the CBS Television Network.
Janet Jackson — the Queen, the Star, the Legend.
The All for You singer is widely admired and influential — the literal definition of one of the highest statuses for artists, actors, and others in entertainment professions that pave the way for like-minded individuals. She’s soft-spoken, but don’t let that fool you. Miss Jackson does not play when it comes to shutting down a stage. Her bold presence stems from several decades of hard work and talent that she was born with, coming from a family full of superstars.
From a young age, Jackson endured the stress and hardships of proving she didn’t belong in anyone’s shadow. From appearances on sitcoms like Good Times and Diff’rent Strokes to starring in movies such as Poetic Justice and Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? plus world tours, Janet Jackson has proven time and time again that she is booked, busy, and unbreakable.
The original hitmaker
There are artists, and then there are Hall of Fame musicians who are so influential that no one will ever come close to “taking their spot.” Hitmaker should be Jackson’s nickname because, with a discography like hers, no one can compare. Her debut album, Janet Jackson, and her sophomore album, Dream Street, were subtle introductions to Janet Jackson — the artist — and not Janet Jackson, the youngest child of the Jackson family or Michael Jackson’s little sister.
Control, her third album, really skyrocketed Jackson to commercial success. It topped the Billboard 200 Chart, and five of its singles, including “Nasty,” “Control,” and “When I Think of You,” reached the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 (U.S.). This was just the beginning of Jackson’s chart-topping journey. She claimed 10 no. 1 hits and 27 top 10 hits on the U.S. chart.
In 2019, Janet Jackson’s illustrious career was further cemented when she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Photo credit: CBS Television/ American Music Awards Press Release