Janet Jackson to Receive Global Icon Award at the 2018 MTV EMAs

Janet Jackson. Photo by Erik Pendzich/REX/Shutterstock (9215568t)

And the Icon Award goes to Janet Jackson!

The 52-year-old iconic songstress is this year’s recipient of MTV EMA’s Global Icon Award. 

The news was announced via the show’s official Twitter account — “Legendary singer, dancer, actress, activist and 2018 #MTVEMAGLOBAL ICON! @janetjackson is forever the Queen!!,” they wrote. Janet in return wrote to her fans, “I’m honored to receive this year’s @MTVEMA Global Icon Award. I can’t wait to celebrate with my fans all around the world on Nov. 4th in Spain.”

Jackson will take the EMA stage for the first time to perform a medley of her hits, including her latest hit, “Made for Now”.

“Janet is without question one of the world’s biggest stars,” said Bruce Gillmer, global head of music and talent, Viacom and co-brand head, MTV International. “Her incredible artistry has opened doors for countless others while leaving an indelible impact on pop culture – well over three decades and counting. We’re thrilled to honor her as this year’s MTV Global Icon.”

“It was only a matter of time before she received the award,” MTV said. “Her music has been loved around the world since the 1980s when she first began releasing groundbreaking albums like Control and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. She’s now one of the best-selling artists of all time. Seven of her albums are certified platinum and she’s sold over 160 million records.”

Jackson joins a list of stellar list of artists who are Global Icon honorees including, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, Queen, and Whitney Houston.

The 2018 MTV EMAs will take place at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain on November 4. The show will be hosted by Hailee Steinfeld.