Gay icon and music legend Janet Jackson has been honoured with the Icon Award at the American Music Awards 2025, and marked the occasion with her first live TV performance in seven years. 

The star took to the stage at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Nevada, to perform her hits, including “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All For You” alongside a live band. Donning a white jacket and baggy jeans, Jackson was joined by a slew of shirtless dancers as she led the early 2000s-inspired choreography. 

As for her acceptance speech, Jackson refused to acknowledge the true success of her own stardom. 

“I am so, so honoured. I am so grateful,” she began. “I mean no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon,” she admitted.

“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, and singing, and fame came with the 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’ve been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed.”

She continued: “I want to thank my staff, my management, CAA, LiveNation, AEG, to all the incredible dancers, musicians, and producers that I’ve worked with. To my family who have been my biggest supporters since birth, and, of course, to the fans. Because of you and God, I’m standing right here.

“I want to thank the AMAs for this honour, which I am humbly grateful for, 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.”

Despite her last album, Unbreakable, being released in 2015, Jackson is hot off the heels of her Together Again Tour in 2024. This year, the star is performing a Las Vegas residency in the Resorts World Theatre, with dates confirmed until late September.