The 2025 American Music Awards commenced in May, with a constellation of hitmakers taking to the stage for unmissable musical performances. But when Janet Jackson stole the spotlight reprising her 2001 singles, “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You,” the clip went instantly viral, amassing over 1.2 million YouTube views in just its first three weeks online!
The spotlights dance around Janet’s stage, styled like a ‘90s throwback: classy white tones matched with fading denim; shirtless male backing dancers posed dramatically like mannequins in a Calvin Klein shop window. In their midst: Ms. Janet, aged 59 and glowing with the deathless radiance of an original R&B Queen.
From the addictive choreography to the warm sound of her hits, this flawless performance stirs a melting pot of both modernity and vivid pop nostalgia, seamlessly bridging the gap between the era of Janet’s hit singles and the stage she shares with contemporary stars.
Her voice, undulled by the decades, sounds just as fresh as on her studio records. But for some fans, it’s Janet’s dance moves, channeling her Jackson heritage, which make this performance so incredible. As one top commenter on this viral YouTube vid wrote, “Janet is 59 years old. I am impressed that she can still perform the high energy choreography,” another added, “To be almost 60 and still moving like this is incredible!”
“Someone to Call My Lover” and “All For You” both featured on Janet Jackson’s 2001 album, “All For You,” – a record which picked up the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, the year following Janet Jackson’s own 2001 AMA win for the Award of Merit category. The original, 20-track record soared to the #1 position on the US album charts, peaked at #2 here in the UK, with both singles breaking the Top 20 on the UK singles charts.
This wasn’t the only AMAs performance to go viral this year – Jennifer Lopez scored her own internet-melting moment, performing a 2.3M-times-viewed medley of her greatest hits. Also hitting the AMA stage this year were Doechii, Rosé & Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, Teddy Swims, Lady Gaga, Charlie XCX, Beyoncé, Benson Boone and Sabrina Carpenter, amongst other chart-toppers.
However, Janet Jackson’s performance has got fans looking back fondly on the star’s rich musical legacy. As one fan commented, “What people need to understand: If we didn’t have Janet Jackson, we wouldn’t have Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, Aaliyah, Ashanti and many more. Because Janet paved the way for all of them.”
Janet Jackson’s triumphant performance at the 2025 American Music Awards is a testament to her timeless appeal and unmatched artistry, capturing both the spirit of nostalgia and the energy that continues to influence pop culture. With her viral medley of classics, she reminds us why she’s an enduring icon. To dive deeper into Janet’s world and relive these unforgettable moments, explore the links below.