Janet Jackson Says She Doesn’t View Herself as an Icon Despite Receiving AMA Honour

Janet Jackson has revealed that she doesn’t see herself as an “icon,” even as she accepted the Icon Award at the American Music Awards on May 26. The singer also delivered her first televised performance in seven years during the event, treating the audience to renditions of her hits ‘Someone To Call My Lover’ and ‘All For You.’

While accepting the award, Jackson expressed that she felt honoured and grateful for the recognition. However, she added that she personally did not view herself as an icon. She explained that neither she nor her family ever pursued fame for its own sake — instead, their passion had always been rooted in music, dance, and singing. According to her, the fame they achieved was simply a by-product of their hard work and dedication.

She went on to describe her journey — and that of her family — as a distinctly American story, one she believed could only happen in the United States. Jackson said she hoped her experiences had inspired others and encouraged artists to chase their dreams and find success.

 The American Music Awards took place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with Jennifer Lopez serving as host. Billie Eilish dominated the event, taking home awards in all seven categories she was nominated for, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. Though she wasn’t in attendance, she shared her gratitude through video messages.

In addition to Jackson’s Icon Award, Zac Brown received the first-ever Veterans Voice Award, and Rod Stewart was taken by surprise when he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Meanwhile, Jackson is approaching the final shows of her Las Vegas residency, which began in December 2024 and initially ran through February 2025. Following strong demand, she extended the run into May. Three performances remain — scheduled for Wednesday the 28th, Friday the 30th, and Saturday the 31st.

Before her Vegas shows, Jackson had delivered a 39-song set across the UK and Europe as part of her ‘Together Again’ tour in 2023, which included her first UK performance since Glastonbury in 2019.

In other news, Janet Jackson and Eminem were notably left out of the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee list.