PHOTOS: Bruno Mars kneels down to present Icon Award to Janet Jackson at BBMAs 2018

Legendary American Pop singer, Janet Jackson, was honored with a prestigious Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 20, 2018.

The award was presented by singer Bruno Mars, who knelt before the pop star to present the award to her, as she became the first ever black woman to receive the Billboard Icon Award in recognition of her long career.

“The name ‘Jackson’ represents artistic genius and iconic performance,” Bruno said while presenting the award.

“The Jacksons are music royalty and the first family of entertainment…She is an activist… She’s a humanitarian. She’s a powerful woman. And she is the first black woman to receive the Billboard Icon Award.”

During her acceptance speech, Janet thanked the audience and made reference to the Me Too movement.

'I'm deeply humbled and grateful for this award.  I believe that for all the challenges, for all our challenges we live in a glorious moment in history.'

'I believe that for all the challenges, for all our challenges, we live at a glorious moment in history,” she said. “It’s a moment where at long last, women have made it clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated or abused. I stand with those women and with those men equally outraged by discrimination who support us in heart and mind.”

Janet Jackson has now joined Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, andCher on the list of  Icon recipients.