Janet Jackson took a quick break from her storied Las Vegas Residency last night to grace the stage at the 2025 American Music Awards with tight braids and long layers of coiled curls. Her performance was her first on-air one in seven years. She sang a powerful medley of 2001 classics at the Fontainebleau before accepting this year’s Icon Award, recognizing her irrevocable influence in music over the last 40 years.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame star marked the big night with a big and bouncy hairdo provided by The Urban Meet, a California-based braid shop. The Urban Meet salon was founded in 2018 by the eponymous nonprofit organization providing employment and housing assistance for people at risk of homelessness.
Janet Jackson performs a medley of 2001 hits at the 2025 American Music Awards held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Christopher Polk/Penske Media
For Jackson’s coloring, stylist Chris Rios Reggio painted honey highlights in between her dark brown coils which were teased and bumped behind a white headband. Her hair swept across the lower half of her back as she danced across the stage, weaving in and out of shirtless backup dancers. The style was a similar look to one she’s sported during her Resorts World Theater residency, which began in late December 2024 and is scheduled to continue through the end of May.
Jackson’s makeup, done by Preston Meneses, was comprised of shimmery gold shadow, wispy eyelash clusters, brown lip liner and a matte nude lip color. The statement-making aesthetic was complemented by a more casual Vetements outfit complete with baggy blue denim, peek-a-boo white underwear, a matching tank top and an oversized bomber jacket that was later swapped for a cropped alternative.
Her long, coiled curls were provided by The Urban Meet, a California-based braid shop.
Rich Polk/Penske Media
The “All for You” vocalist has donned many hairstyles on the red carpet from short, choppy cuts to tight, shoulder-length curls. She was way ahead of the current cherry red hair fad, switching between warm and cold-toned shades. For her first American Music Awards appearance in 1983, Jackson went with an inky black pixie cut juxtaposed with burnt orange makeup.
Jackson also accepted the 2025 Icon Award last night, recognizing her irrevocable influence in the music industry.
Christopher Polk/Penske Media
In her acceptance speech, Jackson spoke about the ways in which her impression of fame and iconism have evolved. “My family, myself, our dream was to… It wasn’t ever to be famous, we weren’t always like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing. Fame came with the result of hard work and dedication,” she said.
“This would have only happened in America,” she continued. “The one thing that I hope for is that I’ve been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed.”
WWD reached out to The Urban Meet and colorist Chris Rios Reggio for comments.
