MTV Icon is 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.
The MTV Icon series logo
Janet Jackson was the first artist to be named an "MTV Icon".
Aerosmith was chosen as the 2002 Icon.
Metallica's performance on MTV Icon was their first television appearance with new bassist Robert Trujillo (left).
MTV is an American cable television channel. It was officially launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a division of Paramount Global.
A woman cosplaying as Daria Morgendorffer, the title character of the popular MTV animated series Daria, which originally aired from March 1997 to January 2002.
1515 Broadway in Times Square, the site of MTV Studios since 1997
Pauly D and the Situation of Jersey Shore in 2011
Michael Jackson, whose discography included music videos such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and "Thriller"
