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'Legends. Pioneers. Queens': Crowd ERUPTS as Janet Jackson gives Mary J Blige Billboard Icon Award

Janet Jackson was overwhelmed by the crowd's reaction as she came on stage to present Mary J Blige the Billboard Icon Award

Janet Jackson showed up unexpectedly at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, May 15, 2022, to present Mary J Blige with the Icon Award. Unsurprisingly, Jackson received a standing ovation as she took the stage. As she thanked the crowd for their thunderous applause, the 56-year-old artist appeared overcome with emotion.

Janet Jackson came to present Mary J. Blige with the Billboard Icon Award, which she herself received in 2018. "Mary J. Blige represents truth," Janet Jackson stated while her presenting her the award. "Her work has always given us comfort because she sings me, she sings you,” she added. Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, H.E.R., and others sent in videos praising the indisputable Queen of Hip Hop Soul despite not being present in person.

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Mary J Blige

With her gritty but always tender blend of soul and hip hop, Mary J Blige made her debut in 1992 with the classic 'What's the 411?' establishing her own lane. She has been a prolific hitmaker throughout the years, notching up records and awards, including two Oscar nominations in the same year. Blige, who referred to Jackson as one of her childhood heroes, said, "I got something to say," before reflecting on her career and touting the merits of her ghetto fabulousness: "Now everyone wants to be ghetto fabulous."

"What an icon means to me is overcoming obstacles to accomplish the unthinkable and be wildly admired for having influence over a multitude of people, and that is what I've always represented," Blige said. "I've been on this journey for a long time. One that didn't always look the way you see me now. One that was filled with a lot of heartache and pain. But God helped me to channel those experiences and emotions into my music." 

She added, “My career has been such an incredible and unexpected journey that has included many turns into avenues I never could have imagined like acting, producing, launching businesses and now even my own music festival.” Blige continued, “Through it all, I always one way or another gravitated back to my first love, music. To be recognized in this way at this moment, with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, is an incredible honor and one that I am truly humbled by.” 

 

Twitter reactions

The blissful moment has been trending on Twitter. One user wrote, “Legends. Pioneers. Queens. Icons. Strong Black Women who deserve respect, praise, & all that come to them. The best in the business. Janet Jackson and Mary J Blige. #BBMAs.” Another user said, “Janet Jackson presenting an Icon Award to Mary J Blige 🙏🏾💗🙏🏾. The power that has. #BBMAs” while another wrote, “Janet Jackson presenting the Icon Award to Mary J Blige. Wouldn’t have it any other way🔥🔥🔥 #BBMAs.”