In recognition of her indelible mark on the world of music transcends decades and generations, the Black Entertainment Television will bestow on Janet Jackson the first-ever Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award at the 2015 BET Awards.
"This is Janet Jackson, people! We are excited beyond belief to present her with our inaugural ULTIMATE ICON: Music Dance Visual award and we are thrilled that she chose the BET Awards as the first step on her new road," said Stephen G. Hill, BET's President of Programming. "An inspiration to many other artists, 'Ms. Jackson' ('cause I'm nasty) blends music, dance and visuals in unique and groundbreaking ways and we look forward to celebrating her storied history... as well as giving the BET Awards audience a peek into her Unbreakable future."
The award on the Queen of Pop also marks her grand return to the music scene. Janet Jackson will also be performing in the BET Awards together with three of her biggest contemporary admirers: Tinashe, Jason Derulo and Ciara.
Jackson's comeback has already begun with her first single, "No Sleeep," from her upcoming album - her first in seven years - officially premiering yesterday (June 22). The Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award will be another honor that Jackson can add to her résumé as she currently holds six Grammys, two Emmys, a Golden Globe, and many others. She is also the first African-American female artist to have hit singles in each of the last four decades, proving that she is very much deserving of this prestigious distinction.
The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.
The awards are presented annually, and are broadcast live on BET. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by artists, and some of the awards of more popular interest are presented in a televised ceremony.
The Source reported the following artists to perform in the 2015 BET Awards: YG, Robin Thicke, K. Michelle, Janelle Monae, Tyga, and Jidenna are some of the names who will perform alongside Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, and many more at the 2015 "BET Awards."
Other awardees include Smokey Robinson who will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Tom Joyner will be recognized with the Humanitarian Award. Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross will host this year's BET Awards air live on Sunday June 28, 2015.
The full list of "BET Awards" 2015 performers includes Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar, Smokey Robinson, Big Sean, Ne-Yo, Ciara, Jason Derulo, Tinashe, Tyga, Robin Thicke, K. Michelle, Janelle Monae, Jidenna, Jussie Smollett, Yazz, and Serayah from the hit show "Empire," Donnie McClurkin, Silento, Fetty Wap, Future, Omarion, E-40, Gary Clark Jr. Tori Kelly and Anthony Hamilton.
Laverne Cox, Zendaya, Michael B. Jordan, Kelly Rowland, Saana Lathan, Michael Ealy, DeSean Jackson, Barry Floyd, Jay Ellis, La La Anthony, Lauren London, Teyanna Taylor, Allen Iverson, Brandy, Brittany Daniel, Donald Glover, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker and Charlie Wilson are all slated to appear as presenters at this year's ceremony.
Below are the BET schedules this weekend:
SATURDAY, June 27, 2015
STAPLES Center - 7pm: Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg with Jay Rock and Ab-Soul
Club Nokia - 11pm: The Roots and Friends
LA Convention Center: FREE Fan Fest
SUNDAY, June 28, 2015
LA Convention Center: FREE Fan Fest
"BET AWARDS"
* All times PST
You can also watch the BET Awards for free by clicking here. The Show will begin at 8 pm EST while the red carpet will start at 6 pm EST.
