The 2025 American Music Awards kicked off at 8:00 p.m. EST on May 26 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas with Jennifer Lopez as the host. Janet Jackson was one of the artists slated to perform — her first in seven years — and she did not disappoint.
Around halfway through the show, Jackson took the stage in a white headband and baggy jeans singing “Someone to Call My Lover” with five males wearing similar outfits as her backup dancers.
Next on the roster was Jackson’s 2001 hit “All For You,” which she finished with a standing ovation from the audience.
Janet Jackson Receives Icon Award at the 2025 AMAs
Janet Jackson was set to receive the Icon Award at the 2025 AMA, with the presenter saying, “The world knows her as an icon. We know her as a friend, a sister.”
“Janet started her career 52 years ago in Las Vegas for over five decades. She has been the soundtrack to our lives speaking to our joy, heartbreak, sensuality, and strength.”
“From ‘Control’ to ‘Rhythm Nation.’ ‘Velvet Rope’ to ‘Unbreakable,’ she didn’t just break barriers, she danced right through them.”
“I am so, so honored. I am so grateful,” Jackson began her speech. “I mean no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon.”
She went on to say that her family members never sought out fame but just always loved music. “Fame came with the result of hard work and dedication,” Jackson said.
“The one thing that I hope for is that I’ve been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed,” she added.
“To my family who have been my biggest supporters since birth. And of course, to the fans,” Jackson told the audience.
Fans Are Loving a Janet Jackson Comeback
Janet Jackson fans can’t get enough of her AMA appearance. “Seeing her perform on the American music awards will feel like old times again. I used to watch the award shows only because Janet was going to perform. Looking forward to this performance,” a fan tweeted.
Another wrote of Jackon’s set, “What an amazing performance.” A fan tweeted, “Long overdue but at least now she is finally getting her flowers! She will always be a legend!”
“I loved her speech so much she’s so kind and humble she deserved it,” another fan wrote. One shared, “She IS an icon and nobody can deny that. She is legendary.”
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Janet Jackson Gives Show-Stopping Performance at the 2025 AMAs