Music legend Janet Jackson is set to make a powerful return to television. She will receive the prestigious ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) and perform live on the show. This marks her first televised performance in seven years.
The event takes place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Fans across the U.S. can watch the AMAs live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and stream it on Paramount+.
Janet Jackson’s Historic Recognition at the 2025 AMAs
The American Music Awards, often called the AMAs, is one of the biggest nights in music. The ICON Award honors artists whose music and influence have shaped global culture.
Jackson, an 11-time AMA winner, will become only the third artist to receive this award. Rihanna accepted it in 2013, and Lionel Richie followed in 2022. This makes Jackson’s recognition a historic moment for both her career and the award’s legacy.
The ICON Award isn’t new territory for Jackson. She previously received the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2015 BET Awards, recognizing her lasting impact on music and pop culture.
A Return to the Stage After Seven Years
Fans have been waiting for years to see Janet Jackson perform on television again. Her last televised performance happened in 2018. This year, she’ll finally return to the stage during the 2025 AMAs.
Adding to the excitement, Jennifer Lopez will host the night and deliver a performance of her own. Together, these powerful women promise to light up the stage in Las Vegas.
Jackson’s appearance is timed perfectly. She’s about to launch a six-show run of her Las Vegas residency, “JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS,” at Resorts World Theatre from May 21 to May 31.
A Career Filled With Record-Breaking Moments
Since releasing her debut album in 1982, Janet Jackson has made music history time and again. She holds 10 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and seven No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200.
Her 1986 album Control made her the first woman to score five top 10 hits from a single album. She made history again with Rhythm Nation 1814 in 1989, the only album ever to deliver seven top five hits on the Hot 100.
Over the years, Jackson has won five Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. She’s also picked up multiple MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Janet Jackson’s Legacy and Rock Hall Induction
In 2019, Janet Jackson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fellow artist Janelle Monáe honored her during the ceremony. The induction placed her alongside The Jackson 5, who were inducted in 1997, and her brother Michael Jackson, inducted as a solo artist in 2001.
What makes Janet stand out is her chart longevity. She’s one of only four artists to land a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 across four decades — the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. The other names on that list? Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, and U2.
Anticipation Grows for Janet’s 2025 AMA Performance
The excitement is real as fans look forward to seeing Janet Jackson back on stage. This special night at the AMAs will not only honor her unmatched legacy but also celebrate her ongoing influence on music and culture.
As the show approaches, ticket sales, online conversations, and fan tributes continue to build momentum. It’s a moment that reminds us why Janet Jackson remains one of the most iconic artists of our time.
