Watch: Janet Jackson’s incredible all-star BET Awards tribute
By Nick Bond
Music legend Janet Jackson was honoured with an energetic tribute performance at the BET Awards over the weekend.
The 49-year-old, who last week returned from an extended musical hiatus with No Sleeep, the first single from her upcoming first album in seven years, took to the stage to accept an ‘Ultimate Icon’ award following a performance by some of her younger peers.
Paying tribute to Jackson’s incredible dance skills, none of the trio of performers – Tinashe, Ciara and Jason Derulo – sang, instead dancing to some of Jackson’s biggest hits. Tinashe – who samples Janet on her acclaimed debut album, Aquarius – went first, delivering a flawless routine to Control-era highlight The Pleasure Principle.
Derulo went next, dancing to Jackson’s 2001 chart-topper All For You, while Ciara – frequently compared to Janet throughout her 10-year-career – rocked out to If before being joined on stage by Tinashe and Derulo for Rhythm Nation.
Check out the performance in full below:
While Janet did not perform on the night, she used her acceptance speech to thank her fans, husband and parents, both of whom were in the audience.
“25 years ago we created Rhythm Nation, hoping the world would be a better place – but today there’s even more to be done,” she said.
UK viewers can catch the 2015 BET Awards Tuesday 30 Junes at BET (Sky 187 / Virgin 184 / Freesat 140).