[WATCH] Janet Jackson Makes History As Billboard's First Black Woman To Win Icon Award

[WATCH] Janet Jackson Makes History As Billboard’s First Black Woman To Win Icon Award

May 21, 2018

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Janet Jackson made history last night as the first Black woman to receive the Icon award at the Billboard Music Awards. Bruno Mars, who was accused of cultural appropriation earlier this year, paid tribute to the 52-year-old legend. Watch.

Look who it is! @BrunoMars takes the stage to present the Icon Award to @JanetJackson. #ICON_JANET #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/CxkwilDney

— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) May 21, 2018

In her speech, the youngest Jackson spoke out about sexism, abuse and racism, saying,“I’m deeply humbled and grateful for this award. I believe that for all the challenges, for all our challenges, we live at a glorious moment in history. It’s a moment when at long last women have made it clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated or abused. I stand with those women and with those men equally outraged by discrimination who support us in heart and mind.”

Watch below.

After rocking the stage with her incredible performance, @JanetJackson accepts the 2018 #BBMAs Icon Award! #ICON_JANET pic.twitter.com/S7nDbrGJQI

— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) May 21, 2018

Last month Jackson solicited dancers for her upcoming tour on social media and the response was overwhelming. Can’t wait until she hits your city? Here’s last night’s incredible performance, her first on television in nine years, below.