“With profound gratitude,” Janet Jackson accepted the Global Icon Award at Sunday’s MTV Europe Music Awards in Barakaldo, Spain. In her reliably soothing voice, Ms. Jackson (whether you are nasty or not, at this point) reiterated the main themes of her acceptance speech for the Billboard Icon Award in May—uplifting women and giving thanks to God. Though this speech went a bit deeper, I guess it goes to show that when you get handed your second Icon Award of the year, you proceed with doing icon shit.
“Tonight, I feel moved to speak for women whose voices have been stifled,” said Jackson. “I am one of those women: Women who have been gagged both literally and emotionally, women who have been abused, women who have been intimidated, women who have lived in fear. I stand with you. You are my sisters.”
“Tonight, I carry the hope that a new world is emerging, a world in which caring people, male as well as female, will no longer tolerate gender inequality,” she continued to cheers. She insisted that women’s voices that speak out for justice would be heard, and called for letting the “ever amazing love of God lead the way.”
She also performed a medley of her recent single “Made for Now,” as well as classics “All for You” and “Rhythm Nation.” There was hair-whipping and fire.
The crowd was as excited as a room full of people tends to be when Janet Jackson enters, but there was one person who seemed positively exhilarated to see Jackson take the stage...
...Lindsay Lohan, who, in other news, announced Marshmello’s victory in the Best Electronic category like this:
Good old Lindsay!
DISCUSSION
The Velvet Rope changed my life for exactly that reason. Not only did she touch on abuse and silence, also sexual freedom, acceptance, grief of love and friendship...it was a journey! I’m here for JJ from the beginning to the inevitable jazz cover album when she’s 80.