MTV Icon

MTV Icon was a series of annual television specials produced by MTV between 2001 and 2004, each paying homage to a musical artist or band selected as a cultural icon, in a format similar to the network's annual Video Music Awards and Movie Awards events. A live audience of musicians, celebrities, and fans would view a biographical film depicting the career of that year's chosen icon, interspersed by celebrity introductions and live performances of popular artists playing cover versions of the icon's songs. The iconic artist would then accept an award and perform a live set of their own at the close of the show. The series celebrated Janet Jackson in 2001, Aerosmith in 2002, Metallica in 2003, and The Cure in 2004.

Pop artist Janet Jackson was selected as MTV's inaugural Icon, in an event held in Los Angeles. Performers at the ceremony included 'N Sync, Pink, Usher, Outkast, Destiny's Child, Macy Gray, Mýa, and Buckcherry. Celebrity presenters included Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Aaliyah, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Jackson herself concluded the event with a performance of her hit single "All for You". The event was the highest rated television show of the night, ahead of all broadcast and cable programs among the youth demographic.
MTV decided to develop the special as an annual franchise for other artists following the event's success.

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