“The true definition of longevity” - Missy Elliott reacts as Janet Jackson accepts AMA Icon Award

Missy Elliott, 53, was overjoyed to hear Janet Jackson, 59, receiving the ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards.

On May 26, the five-time Grammy winner was honored with the prestigious accolade at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Missy Elliott expressed her happiness for her dear friend on social media. She lauded Jackson for her influential impact, describing her as:

"The true definition of LONGEVITY & UNBREAKABLE & ROYALTY"

The Get Ur Freak On singer shared the most incredible words for Janet. Appreciating her creation, she acknowledged:

"You manage to do it all with STYLE & GRACE! Your impact is FOREVER".

Missy Elliott concluded her post dedicated to Jackson, promising to be present for her next one, sharing:

"I Love you! I’ll be there for ya next one because you ain’t done yet"

Last night, Jackson performed at the esteemed event, right before accepting the award from Tasha Smith, and started her performance with Someone to Call My Lover, People reported.

The American Music Awards paid tribute to Janet Jackson, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the music industry.

While accepting the honor, she expressed heartfelt love during her speech.

She stated:

"I love you so much. I am so so honored. I am so grateful. I mean, no disrespect in any way, but I don't consider myself an icon."

The Call on Me singer explained:

"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."

Janet voiced her sincere gratitude to God and her team and fans, sharing:

"Because of you and God, I'm standing right here. 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."

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Missy Elliott & Janet Jackson's friendship explored

Their friendship started through music

The iconic singers share a strong and deep-rooted friendship spanning over two decades. Hailing from the same industry, their bond blossomed from a professional collaboration in the late 1990s. According to Essence, Missy Elliott and Janet Jackson partnered for the latter's 2001 single Son of a Gun.

The project opened doors to a lasting friendship and more collaborations in the future. Later, they worked together on Janet's Burn It Up! song from her Unbreakable album. Missy Elliott and Janet Jackson released statements after releasing Burn It Up! in September 2015. They appreciated each other's presence, with Elliott calling herself Jackson's "biggest fan." She expressed:

"We are great friends and have been for so long, I am still her biggest fan. Sometimes, I still have to pinch myself when I call her and she picks up the phone or texts me because she is still Janet Jackson!"

They support and praise each other consistently

From reflecting on their sisterhood in interviews to opening up their hearts on social media, Missy Elliott and Janet Jackson have stood beside each other and been vocal about their bond. They often express their admiration for each other at events. Missy Elliott and Janet Jackson celebrated 24 years of friendship in 2022, HipHopDX reported.