Janet Jackson named BMI Icon at the 2018 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
Janet Jackson has been honored with the BMI Icon in recognition of her being one of the most influential entertainers of all time. As the recipient of the most honorable award for the night at the 2018 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, Janet was recognized among several noteworthy songwriters, producers, and publishers who were present at Atlanta’s Woodruff Arts Center’s Symphony Hall.
Hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta Catherine Brewton, with Lifestyle Specialist Kenny Burns as co-host, the evening included stellar performances by some of the hottest artists on the music scene. The night began with a special tribute to the late Aretha Franklin, who was part of the BMI family for 50 years, with Tamela Mann singing a rendition of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” followed by “You’ve Got a Friend.” Keri Hilson and BMI’s Wardell Malloy introduced Atlanta rapper Derez De’shon as the 2018 BMI Social Star, presented by PrettyLittleThing.com before he took to the stage with an energetic performance of his hit “Hardaway.”