Janet Jackson to receive the Ultimate Icon prize
JANET Jackson is to be honoured with the Ultimate Icon prize at the BET Awards this Sunday.
The 49-year-old singer is being recognised at the ceremony — which will be broadcast on the Black Entertainment Television network — for her achievements in the music industry over the last four decades.
Jason Derulo, Tinashe and Ciara are all set to perform a tribute to Janet — the sister of Michael Jackson — who will be the first recipient of the accolade.
Awards boss Stephen G. Hill said: “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.”
Janet will also debut her comeback single ‘No Sleep’ at the ceremony ahead of the release of her new studio album — her first since 2008’s ‘Discipline’ — and upcoming ‘Unbreakable World Tour’.
Hill has described the pop superstar as “an inspiration” to other artistes and insists Janet has always presented “music, dance and visuals in unique and ground-breaking ways”.
Elsewhere, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj are nominated for an impressive six awards each at the ceremony.
The BET Awards will air live on June 28 from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. — Relaxnews