Janet Jackson opened her heart while she was singing! Incredible!
By Rachel Garcia
(Special collaboration)
Janet Jackson blitzed her audience with “Number One”- greatest hits at the Greek Theater this Thursday night. As the curtains when up, Janet and Michael video popped up “Stop Pressuring me” on three wide screens while the fans in the audience roared screaming in excitement. Janet took on the stage singing “Control” as she ignited the stage with her energy and confidence. This phenomenal talent strutted her sexy dance moves as slick as her brother, Michael, a true musical legend. Her wardrobe was simply basic, she wore a white jean jacket over black v neck top t-shirt, wash out grey jeans, a diamond-skull buckle for a belt, along with a metal studded collar with two matching bracelet bands on both on her wrists and black combat boots. Her smile lit the stage as she flaunted her catwalk, long curly locks, and teasing smoky eyes to the audience.
Over the years, the 46-year-old singer and actor went through different looks during her career: from a shy, sweet, and innocent younger sister to a scorned bug-eyed dominatrix on her 2008’s “Discipline” album. This year’s tour, she paid tribute to honor her now deceased brother Michael, who she admired, loved, and still misses dearly. From her 3-year-old greatest-hits set, “Number Ones,” she dedicated the song “Together Again” in his memory.
Jackson struggled growing up in the industry and to this day, in her book “True You” she admits of still struggling with her public image and her estranged absent relationship with Joseph Jackson, her father. It’s been two year since Michael passed away and that she split from Jermaine Dupri, after her 7 year relationship. The artist last major tour in 2008 was interrupted by a mystery illness that left a trail of cancellations and many fans disappointed. Janet has dealt with her own controversy in her career: In 1993, the artist posed topless with two unknown hands touching her chest for the Rolling Stone Magazine cover, then in 2004, ” a wardrobe malfunction” during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime with Justin Timberlake in 2004. She was accused of a bad publicity stunt that hurt her image in the tabloids and in the media.
On Thursday’s concert, she came through delivering a show with a forgiving heart and fresh shot at a brand new chapter in her life. Jackson sang her songs full force “The Pleasure Principle,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately” “Escapade,” “Rhythm Nation” “Miss you much” and “That’s the way love goes.” She had two microphones at her disposal, and a trademark headset as back up. Janet managed to impressively sustain her voice and dance routines the entire concert.
The show had about 10 blocks, and she sang about 3 or 4 songs before going into each intermission. The clips featured on the wide screen included Jackson’s appearances in films and television series like “Good Times,” and “Different Strokes.” Also, there was a slide show of her as child, portraits of the Jackson Family, and many glamour shots taken over the years of her career.
The concert achieved to pack in 30 hits, where she exposed her incredible talent and work by affirming her legacy as a pop royalty. Janet ended concert crediting her musicians, 3 vocalists, 6 amazing dancers, the Jackson family, and then humbly waved off to all her fans in the audience with gratitude and love over the years. For record, the concert brought closure to her past and left audience emotionally hooked craving to hear more of her without coming back out for an encore.
