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On May 26, 2025, singer Janet Jackson received the ICON Award at the American Music Awards. Before accepting the honor, she also performed a few classic hits at the ceremony.
The songstress performed Someone to Call My Lover and All for You at the award ceremony. Upon accepting the award from Tasha Smith, she said:
“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. My family, myself, our dream, it wasn’t ever to be famous that we weren’t raised like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing.”
Janet Jackson went on:
“And fame came with a result of hard work and dedication. My story, my family’s story, it’s truly an American story. This would have only happened in America. The one thing that I hope for is that I have been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed.”
Janet Jackson expressed heartfelt thanks to her team, including her management, booking agents, and collaborators like dancers and musicians. She also acknowledged her family for their lifelong support and gave special appreciation to her fans, saying their love and faith kept her grounded.
She expressed gratitude for the award and ended her speech by encouraging others to include God in every part of their lives, which she believed was where He wanted to be.
Janet Jackson reflects on her tour and her struggles in the industry
Janet Jackson wrapped up her Together Again Tour in 2024. The same year, she sat down with Judy on Loose Women for an interview. When asked about the experience of touring, she said:
“It's been a long time since we have toured in Europe 13 years, someone said, since we have been in London touring.”
Janet Jackson shared how much she appreciated hearing her brother Michael’s voice during her shows, especially his unique vocal touches that held personal meaning for their family.
She found joy in those moments on stage. Reflecting on her career challenges, she spoke about facing both racism and sexism in the industry, where people doubted her abilities because she was a woman.
Despite those barriers, she relied on her family’s support and remained determined to find alternative ways to succeed whenever doors were closed to her. She also said:
“Back in those days, if you were black, you couldn't buy a house, you couldn't get a loan, you had to have cash, and my parents they bought their house that we lived in with cash. I mean those were just some of I am just talking about just a little small part of this huge big picture of the racism that existed.”
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Janet Jackson reflected on the support her father gave her and said she appreciated that he believed in her potential, even when she couldn't see it herself.
However, she still wished she had the chance to experience a more typical teenage or college life. Since her brothers found fame when she was just a toddler, the entertainment industry became the only life she knew as she grew up.
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