Janet Jackson Accepts ICON Award At AMAs, Says Fame Wasn’t Her Family’s Dream

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Janet Jackson Accepts ICON Award At AMAs, Says Fame Wasn’t Her Family’s Dream

Janet Jackson, a legendary figure in music, was celebrated with the prestigious ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) on May 26.

The event, held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, recognized Jackson’s decades-long impact on the entertainment industry.

But during her acceptance speech, the Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer humbly downplayed the title.

Janet Jackson said, “No disrespect in any way, 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 and dancing and singing, and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication.”

Jackson, whose career spans over 40 years with multiple No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, described her success as part of “an American story” — one that could only happen in the U.S.

“My story, my family’s story, it’s truly an American story,” she added earnestly. “This would have only happened in America. The one thing I hope for is that I’ve been an inspiration to others, to artists, to follow their dreams and succeed.”

Before her emotional speech, Janet Jackson hit the stage with an energetic performance that lit up the crowd.

She opened with her 2001 hit “Someone to Call My Lover” and followed it with the chart-topping single “All for You.”

With dazzling fountains and sleek choreography, the performance brought full Las Vegas glam to the AMAs stage, fitting, as Jackson is currently headlining her own residency at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas.

In her closing remarks, Jackson gave thanks to her team, dancers, musicians, producers, and fans. She also shared a personal message: “Keep God in every part of your life, because that’s where He wants to be.”

The 2025 American Music Awards were produced by Dick Clark Productions, a division of Penske Media Eldridge, which also owns Billboard.

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