Janet Jackson Receives ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards: ‘I Don’t Consider Myself an Icon’

Janet Jackson is forever an icon — especially at the 2025 American Music Awards.

The five-time Grammy winner received the ICON Award, who CBS and Dick Clark Productions previously referred to as “one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era,” during the Tuesday, May 13 ceremony.

Ahead of accepting the honor, Jackson, 59, took the stage in loose-fitting jeans, a white puffer coat and a white tee and kicked off her set with her 2001 classic “Someone to Call My Lover.” She then transitioned into a funky rendition of her 2001 hit “All for You,” which included a dance break remix with a striking guitar solo.

She’s an ICON, she’s a legend, and she is the moment! 🤩
Congratulations again to @JanetJackson, our #AMAs Icon Award Recipient! pic.twitter.com/RXO5vgKL0L

— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 27, 2025

Afterward, Tasha Smith presented the award to Jackson with a heartfelt introduction.

“I love you so much,” Jackson began her acceptance speech. “I am so so honored. I am so grateful. I mean, no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon.”

She continued: “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, dancing, singing and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication. My story, my family’s story is truly an American story. This would have only happened in America.”

Jackson then said she hoped that she’s “been an inspiration” to other artists to “follow their dreams and succeed.”

After thanking her team and her fans, the 11-time AMA award winner shared her gratitude.

“Because of you and God, I’m standing right here,” said Jackson. “I want to thank the AMAs for this honor, which I am humbly grateful — and last but not least, I want to say keep God in every part of your life because that’s where he wants to be. I love you so much.”

Upon discovering she was receiving the award earlier this month, Jackson shared her excitement on Instagram.

“Thank you so much, AMAs!! ♥️ It’s an honor. We look forward to being on your stage again. See you in Vegas! 😘,” she wrote.

RELATED STORIES

Janet Jackson to Receive ICON Award and Perform at the 2025 American Music Awards

AMAs 2025: Benson Boone, Gloria Estefan, Blake Shelton and More to Perform

The AMAs honor goes to a musician “whose music has had undeniable cultural and global influence over the music industry.”

In the past, ICON Award recipients have included Rihanna in 2013 and Lionel Richie in 2022.

Jackson’s performance at this year’s AMAs marked her first live performance on television since 2018.

Check out all of PEOPLE’s full AMAs coverage here.

Last week, the “All for You” hitmaker also returned to Resorts World for her Las Vegas residency, JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS. She’ll be performing six shows from May 21 through May 31.

For the 50th anniversary of the AMAs, Jennifer Lopez is returning to serve as the master of ceremonies after previously hosting in 2015.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Lopez back to host the American Music Awards,” Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions, said in a statement in April.

He added: “Jennifer’s incredible talent and incomparable stage presence make her the ideal host of the show. We know she will bring her one-of-a-kind energy to the official kick off celebration of summer.”

The American Music Awards are airing live Monday, May 26 from Fontainebleau Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.