Janet Jackson and her fans are together again.
When the 59-year-old took to the stage at the 2025 American Music Awards on May 26 to perform “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You,” it marked her first televised performance in seven years.
Donning a white bomber jacket and loose denim for the major milestone, she showed off her moves alongside several shirtless, chiseled backup dancers for the spectacle.
Ahead of her performance, Janet shared her excitement for her return on social media.
“Thank you so much, AMAs,” she captioned a May 13 post. “It’s an honor. We look forward to being on your stage again. See you in Vegas!”
But wait, there’s more: in addition to her epic performance, Janet is also this year’s recipient of the AMA’s Icon Award. The honor is given in recognition of her decades spanning career and the “undeniable cultural and global influence” she’s had over the music industry.
Throughout her 50-year career, the multi-hyphenate has earned five Grammys, two Emmys, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, in addition to dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Janet’s performance also falls amid her current six-show residency at Las Vegas’ Resorts World Theatre, where she’ll perform until May 31 with an extended run on Sept. 10, 13, 14, 17, 19 and 20.
Also getting out on the floor at the 2025 AMAs? Jennifer Lopez, who is also returning as host after 10 years.
Her return almost didn’t come to be, however, after J.Lo revealed she suffered an injury while rehearsing for the award show. In a series of images shared to social media on May 13, the 55-year-old held an ice pack to her eye as she showed off a swollen nose bearing a cut across the bridge.
Thankfully, there was no lasting damage. “Thank you for stitching me up Dr. Diamond,” she wrote in a subsequent update. “A week later and a whole lotta ice, I’m good as new.”
Just in time, too. After all, the AMAs are a special place for J.Lo.
“I have a long history with the AMAS, from watching it as a little girl to dreaming about being there one day myself,” she shared in an interview ahead of the show. “It’s just a special award show for me.”
To see all this year’s attendees on the red carpet, keep reading.
Renee Rapp
There’s no such thing as talking too much about the Sex Lives of College Girls alum’s AMAs look.
Kendra Scott & Zac Brown
Instead of jeans, the country artist wore a suit that fit just right.
Benson Boone
The singer was his own beautiful thing at the AMAs.
Jon Batiste
The artist took his look to a higher level in his tuxedo and bow tie.
Shaboozey
Fans of the singer almost started a riot over his plaid, country-inspired look.
Ciara
The singer knows how to 1, 2 step into a perfect look.
Machine Gun Kelly
The “Emo Girl” singer was all smiles ahead of the AMAs.
Wayne Brady & Maile Masako
The actor took his daughter along as his plus one for the evening.
Nora Fatehi
The artist and actress stunned in her sequined, animal print look.
Rod Stewart
The musical icon was sailing along the AMAs purple carpet.
Heidi Klum
The model walked the carpet in a bold, all black look.
Nikki Glaser
The comedian’s outfit hit the perfect note.
Tiffany Haddish
The actress was a vision in blue.
Dan + Shay
The musical duo’s looks left the crowd speechless.
Becky G
The 28-year-old stunned in a cheetah-print strapless number.
David Guetta & Jessica Ledon
The DJ and his girlfriend coordinated in all black looks.
Jeff Beacher
The LA Showman strikes a pose in all black.
Jordan Chiles
The Olympian’s look deserved gold.
Lainey Wilson
The country star channeled wildflowers for her purple carpet look.
Dylan Efron
The Traitors star looked faithful as ever in his green suit.
Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag
The Hills alums struck a pose on the purple carpet.
Alex Warren
This look was anything but ordinary.
Megan Moroney
Fans of the country singer won’t need caller ID to recognize the artist on the carpet.
Montana Tucker
The 32-year-old stunned in her beige gown.
Alix Earle
The influencer—and soon to be Dancing with the Stars contestant—donned a
Emilio Estefan & Gloria Estefan
The couple stunned as Gloria returtned to the AMAs for the first time in 30 years.
Tucker Halpern & Sophie Hawley-Weld
There weren’t any purple hats in sight, but the Sofi Tukker duo were still primed for dancing on the people.
Pepa
The rapper—real name Sandra Denton—painted a mighty good picture on the purple carpet.
Rebecca Black
Even though it’s not Friday, the artist arrived in style and ready to get down.
Kehlani
It was after hours, and the singer rocked her semi-sheer, sparkly mini dress.
