ESSENCE, the number one media company for African-American women kicked off GRAMMY weekend with its 9th annual Black Women In Music event held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom.
The event featured a surprise appearance by five-time GRAMMY winner, Janet Jackson who presented Essence’s 2018 Back Women in Music honor to four-time GRAMMY winner Missy Elliott. The evening featured performances from Rapsody¸ whose album Laila’s Wisdom is nominated for 2 Grammy Awards and recording artist, producer, director and visionary Leikeli47.
Global music icon Janet Jackson flew in from London yesterday to surprise her good friend and collaborator Missy Elliot and present her with Essence Magazine’s “Visionary” Award at their annual Black Women in Music Event a day after it was officially announced Janet would headline the 2018 Essence Music Festival on Sunday, July 8.
Speaking to a packed room and dressed in a sequin sweater by Philippe Plein and Velvet thigh high boots by Christian Louboutin, she told the packed house, “I am so grateful for Missy’s beautiful soul. Grateful for her incredible energy. Grateful for her soaring inspiration. Grateful for how she stood toe-to-toe with the guys, showing them that a woman can do it all – take charge, lead the way, innovate and create without fear.”
She then addressed Elliott, who was in tears, saying “Missy you are one of the most genuine people I have ever known, you bless us all with your loving spirit and smiling heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
It was a beautiful night full of love and celebration. You can read her full speech and styling details below.
Janet Jackson Speech:
“Some women sing. Some rhyme. Some rap. Some produce. Some choreograph. Some act. Some write hit songs. Some create whole new sounds. Some women are able to make their mark in one of these fields. But only one woman has made her mark in all of these fields.And not only made her mark, but done so with boldness and courage. Creativity is a beautiful thing. And when creativity flows so freely from a musical genius all we can do is express gratitude. I am so grateful for Missy’s beautiful soul
Grateful for her incredible energy. Grateful for her soaring inspiration. Grateful for how she stood toe-to-toe with the guys, showing them that a woman can do it all – take charge, lead the way, innovate and create without fear. Grateful for how she has cleared the path for new generations of talented young women to follow. And so very grateful for her loyal friendship that has meant more to me that she could ever know. Missy, you’re one of the most genuine people I have ever known. You bless us all with your loving spirit and smiling heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Janet styling details:
Look: sequin sweater by Philippe Plein
Velvet Thigh highs by Christian Louboutin
Make up : @prestonmakeup
Hair: Janet Zeitoun
Styling: Robert Behar @ Opus beauty
