Janet Jackson Gave an Amazing Speech at the Billboard Music Awards
"Women have made it clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated, or abused."


The 2018 Billboard Music Awards were one for the books. From the amazing fashion, (including Ciara's glittery naked dress), to the show-stopping performances, it was a great night.
But the best moment was when Janet Jackson took to the stage. After performing a medley of her hits, she accepted the Billboard Icon Award, making her the first black women to receive the honor. Her acceptance speech was nothing short of spectacular.
Watch the moving speech here:
After rocking the stage with her incredible performance, @JanetJackson accepts the 2018 #BBMAs Icon Award! #ICON_JANET pic.twitter.com/S7nDbrGJQIMay 21, 2018
Read the entire speech here:
"I am 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. This is also a moment when our public discourse is loud and harsh and my prayer is that weary of such noise, we turn back to the source of all calmness. That source - that source is God. Everything we lack, God has in abundance. Compassion, sensitivity, patience and a boundless love. So, again, I want to thank all of you for this honor. And I thank God for giving me the precious energy that lets me live my life as an artist who every single day seeks to expand my capacity to love. Thank you so much."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Temi Adebowale is the Editorial Assistant at Men's Health. She was previously a Newsroom Fellow, writing news stories across Hearst Digital Media's brands. Temi likes Rihanna, animal print, the StairMaster and burritos.
-
Taylor and Travis Debut Hers-and-His Stanely Cup Sweatsuits
The couple made a surprise appearance for Game 4 of the championship.
-
Confirmed: Dua Lipa's Diamond Ring Is of the Engagement Variety
It has a romantic backstory, too.
-
Every Stylish Woman I Know Is Obsessed with this Expensive-Looking Nail Polish Shade
24 luxe options that work with every skin tone.
-
2000s Nostalgia Is As Prevalent As Ever. But These Authors Aren't Sure Our Cultural Obsession Is for the Best
The 'Culture Creep,' 'Girl on Girl,' and 'Waiting for Britney Spears' writers discuss their new books and why we can't let Y2K go.
-
Natasha Lyonne Wants Entertainment to Embrace the Unknown
She opened up about her boundary-breaking new projects onstage at Power Play.
-
Don't Miss the Premiere of True-Crime Series 'The Bakersfield 3'
Here's what to expect.
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Oscars, From How to Watch to the Nominations
It's bound to be an unpredictable awards show.
-
Thanks to Female Filmmakers, Hollywood Is Having Conversations—and Making Great Art—About the Complexities of Women Aging
'The Last Showgirl' writer and the directors of 'The Substance' and 'Nightbitch' open up about creating nuanced stories about women over 40.
-
Meet 'Selling the City' Star Jordyn Taylor Braff: What to Know About Her Career Trajectory and Dating History
She even had a surprising career path before joining Douglas Elliman.
-
Is 'The Brutalist' Streaming? Here's How to Watch the Award-Winning A24 Film
If its Golden Globe wins are any indication, we'll be hearing more about the A24 drama throughout awards season.