Janet Jackson performs at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Janet Jackson lit up the 2025 American Music Awards stage with her first televised performance in seven years, captivating the audience with a pair of timeless hits—“Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You.” The five-time Grammy winner delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and electric, reminding fans why she remains one of pop music’s most enduring icons. Moments later, she accepted the prestigious Icon Award, capping off a triumphant return.
Jackson set the tone with a commanding introduction from her 1986 anthem “Control,” instantly electrifying the venue. With “Someone to Call My Lover” enjoying a resurgence thanks to TikTok, the track opened her set, followed by “All for You,” both performed with her signature stage presence and fluid choreography. Dressed in a sleek white puffy jacket and jeans, Jackson’s synergy with her dancers highlighted her unshakable artistry and timeless appeal.
The honor of presenting her the Icon Award fell to Tasha Smith, who praised Janet’s transformative impact on music, culture, and representation in the industry. Taking the mic for her acceptance speech, Jackson exuded humility and grace. “I am so, so honored. I’m so grateful,” she began. “I mean no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon.” Her sincerity drew a mix of cheers and emotional reactions from the crowd.
Janet went on to reflect on her family’s American journey, one defined by passion, resilience, and the love of music. “My story, my family’s story—it’s truly an American story. This could have only happened in America.” She added, “We never set out to be famous. We just loved music, dancing, and singing. Fame was a result of hard work and dedication.”
She closed her speech with a heartfelt thanks to her family and fans: “To my family who’ve supported me from birth, and of course to the fans—because of you and because of God, I’m standing right here. I love you.” Then, in a poignant final note, she said, “Keep God in every part of your life. That’s where He wants to be.”
The show itself was packed with star power. Jennifer Lopez pulled double duty as host and performer, delivering a high-octane opening medley. The night also featured performances from Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp, among others.
This wasn’t Jackson’s first major honor. In 2018, she received the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, where she brought down the house with a medley of “Nasty,” “If,” and “Throb.”
Another legend honored that night was Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award and returned to the AMAs stage for the first time since 2004, performing his classic “Forever Young.”
Among this year’s top contenders, Kendrick Lamar led the nominations with ten, followed by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey. The AMAs, produced by Dick Clark Productions—now under Penske Media Corporation in collaboration with Eldridge—continued to celebrate fan-driven voting, star-studded moments, and the enduring legacy of music’s biggest icons.
