Janet Jackson Receives Icon Award as Beyoncé Breaks Barriers at the 2025 AMAs
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Janet Jackson performs onstage at the 2025 American Music Awards at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26, 2025. (Rich Polk) |
Jackson, dressed in a white cropped jacket, baggy blue jeans, white sneakers, and a headband, captivated the audience with a medley of her iconic hits, including “All for You,” “Rhythm Nation,” and “Together Again,” marking her first televised performance in seven years.
In her acceptance speech, she said, “I don’t consider myself an icon,” while emphasizing her family's deep commitment to music over fame. The Icon Award, first awarded in 2013, has previously been awarded to artists such as Rihanna and Lionel Richie.
Jackson’s tribute underscored the enduring relevance of urban music within the broader popular music landscape, a point further emphasized by Kendrick Lamar’s victory in the Favorite Hip-Hop Song category for “Not Like Us.” Lamar, who received the most nominations of the night with 10, once again demonstrated his artistic power, authenticity, and ability to connect with contemporary culture.
Beyoncé made history in the country genre, winning Favorite Female Country Artist for her acclaimed project, "Cowboy Carter," which also took home Favorite Country Album honors. This win represents a significant achievement for a Black artist in a category historically dominated by white artists.
SZA also had a memorable evening, taking home both Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.” These awards acknowledge her innovative approach to R&B, blending genres while staying true to her artistic vision, solidifying her position as a leading voice in modern R&B.
Adding to his legacy, Eminem won both Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for "The Death of Slim Shady: Coup de Grâce," highlighting his enduring relevance and impact within the hip-hop genre. Megan Thee Stallion won Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist.
Billie Eilish was the biggest winner of the night, sweeping the major categories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.”
Chappell Roan was recognized as New Artist of the Year, marking a significant breakthrough for the rising star.
Jackson’s tribute underscored the enduring relevance of urban music within the broader popular music landscape, a point further emphasized by Kendrick Lamar’s victory in the Favorite Hip-Hop Song category for “Not Like Us.” Lamar, who received the most nominations of the night with 10, once again demonstrated his artistic power, authenticity, and ability to connect with contemporary culture.
Beyoncé made history in the country genre, winning Favorite Female Country Artist for her acclaimed project, "Cowboy Carter," which also took home Favorite Country Album honors. This win represents a significant achievement for a Black artist in a category historically dominated by white artists.
SZA also had a memorable evening, taking home both Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.” These awards acknowledge her innovative approach to R&B, blending genres while staying true to her artistic vision, solidifying her position as a leading voice in modern R&B.
Adding to his legacy, Eminem won both Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for "The Death of Slim Shady: Coup de Grâce," highlighting his enduring relevance and impact within the hip-hop genre. Megan Thee Stallion won Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist.
Billie Eilish was the biggest winner of the night, sweeping the major categories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.”
Chappell Roan was recognized as New Artist of the Year, marking a significant breakthrough for the rising star.
Key Winners:
- Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish
- New Artist of the Year: Chappell Roan
- Album of the Year: "Hit Me Hard and Soft" (Billie Eilish)
- Song of the Year: “Birds of a Feather” (Billie Eilish)
- Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem
- Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist: Megan Thee Stallion
- Favorite Hip-Hop Song: “Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar)
- Favorite Female R&B Artist: SZA
- Favorite R&B Song: “Saturn” (SZA)
- Favorite Female Country Artist: Beyoncé
- Favorite Country Album: "Cowboy Carter" (Beyoncé)
- Icon Award: Janet Jackson
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