Janet Jackson, a name synonymous with music royalty, has once again captured the spotlight with her recent achievements and enduring influence in the entertainment industry. On May 26, 2025, the pop and R&B icon made a triumphant return to television, performing at the American Music Awards (AMAs) for the first308 time in seven years and receiving the prestigious Icon Award. This milestone, coupled with her ongoing Las Vegas residency and cultural impact, underscores why Jackson remains a beloved figure in music and beyond. This article explores her recent activities, her storied career, and her lasting legacy in the United States.
The 2025 American Music Awards, held at the BleauLive Theater in Las Vegas, marked a significant moment for Janet Jackson. The 58-year-old superstar delivered a high-energy performance that reminded fans why she’s a trailblazer in pop and R&B. Her set included iconic hits like “Control” and “Someone to Call My Lover,” the latter of which recently re-entered the Billboard charts after going viral on TikTok. The performance was a powerful nod to her 50-year career, showcasing her signature dance moves and commanding stage presence.
During the ceremony, Jackson was honored with the AMAs Icon Award, recognizing her “undeniable cultural and global influence over the music industry.” In her acceptance speech, she humbly deflected the “icon” label, expressing gratitude to her family and fans. “I am so honored and so grateful. I mean, no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon,” she said. “My family, myself, our dream was to… It wasn’t ever to be famous, we weren’t always like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing. Fame came with the result of hard work and dedication.” Her words resonated with audiences, highlighting her grounded nature despite decades of stardom.
The AMAs performance wasn’t just a celebration of Jackson’s past achievements but also a testament to her relevance today. Her 2001 hit “Someone to Call My Lover” saw a 1,400% surge in U.S. streams after its TikTok revival, proving her music continues to connect with new generations. This moment at the AMAs solidified her status as a timeless artist who bridges the gap between classic hits and modern trends.
In addition to her AMAs appearance, Jackson is captivating audiences with her ongoing residency at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, aptly titled Janet Jackson: Las Vegas. The residency, which began on December 30, 2024, has been a sold-out success, with additional shows added due to overwhelming demand. The latest dates include May 21, 24, 25, 28, 30, and 31, 2025, and a new set of performances scheduled for September 2025. Fans can expect a setlist spanning her extensive catalog, from early hits like “Nasty” to fan-favorite deep cuts.
The residency marks a significant milestone: 50 years since Jackson first performed in Las Vegas alongside her brothers in The Jackson 5 in 1974. The intimate 5,000-seat venue offers unobstructed views, allowing fans to experience her electrifying choreography and vocal prowess up close. Notable attendees on opening night included her mother, Katherine Jackson, and filmmaker Tyler Perry, adding a personal touch to the celebratory event. The residency follows the success of her 2023-2024 Together Again tour, which featured a viral mash-up of her song “Nasty” with Tinashe’s 2024 hit, further showcasing her influence on younger artists.
Janet Jackson’s career is a masterclass in resilience and innovation. Born on May 16, 1966, as the youngest of ten children in the Jackson family, she carved her own path in an industry dominated by her famous siblings, including the late Michael Jackson. Her breakthrough came with the 1986 album Control, produced with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The album, featuring hits like “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and “Nasty,” established her as a force in pop and R&B, with its bold themes of independence and empowerment. Control was a historic achievement, becoming the first album by a woman to yield five top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
Her follow-up, Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), took her artistry to new heights with socially conscious lyrics addressing issues like racism and inequality. The album remains the only one to produce seven top five hits on the Hot 100, a record that still stands. Over the years, Jackson has amassed 10 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, seven No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, five Grammy Awards, and 11 American Music Awards, among countless other accolades. Her ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful messages has made her a role model for artists and fans alike.
Beyond music, Jackson’s influence extends to fashion, dance, and cultural representation. Her iconic choreography, from the military-style precision of “Rhythm Nation” to the sultry moves in “If,” has inspired countless performers. She also broke racial and gender barriers, paving the way for Black women in pop music during a time when the industry was less inclusive. Despite challenges, including the infamous 2004 Super Bowl “Nipplegate” incident that led to a temporary blacklist from parts of the industry, Jackson’s resilience shone through. Her 2019 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was a long-overdue recognition of her contributions.
Family has always been central to Jackson’s life and career. During her AMAs speech, she paid tribute to her siblings and parents, emphasizing their shared love for music. She recently honored her mother, Katherine Jackson, on her 95th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, celebrating the matriarch who raised ten children, including Janet and the late Michael Jackson. She also mourned the loss of her brother Tito Jackson, a founding member of The Jackson 5, who passed away in October 2024 at age 70. Her tribute to Tito on Instagram reflected their close bond, with Jackson writing, “May you rest in eternal peace. I miss you so much!”
Jackson’s respect for her family extends to her decision to pause discussions about a potential biopic or documentary about her life. According to sources, she is waiting for the release of her late brother Michael Jackson’s biopic, starring their nephew Jaafar Jackson, before moving forward with her own projects. This choice reflects her desire to honor Michael’s legacy and ensure his story takes precedence. The anticipation for Michael’s biopic, inspired by the success of films like Elvis (2022) and A Complete Unknown (2024), has sparked curiosity about how it will portray the “Thriller” icon. Jackson’s decision highlights her selflessness and commitment to family unity.
While Jackson’s recent achievements have been widely celebrated, she has also faced controversy. In September 2024, she received backlash for comments made in an interview with The Guardian, where she inaccurately questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. The remarks, which echoed misinformation, led to criticism from fans and media. Sources close to Jackson attributed the incident to her brother Randy’s influence and her limited engagement with news. Despite the controversy, supporters like Whoopi Goldberg defended her, emphasizing her long-standing advocacy for marginalized communities. Jackson has since focused on her music and performances, letting her work speak for itself.
As Janet Jackson continues her Las Vegas residency and prepares for more performances, her influence shows no signs of waning. Her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots has kept her relevant for five decades. Whether she’s breaking Billboard records, inspiring new artists, or captivating
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