Janet Jackson Performs In New Orleans
Janet Jackson Performs In New Orleans – From the opening notes of “The Pleasure Principle” to “Control” to “Rhythm Nation,” the Grammy Award-winning singer enticed, teased and brought her fans on a journey through her No. 1 hits.
“She was unbelievable,” said Ed Downs of Miami. “It was definitely worth the wait. I’m happy to see her make a comeback. It was impressive.”
Jackson marked her return by closing the festival’s first night inside the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. It was her first time at the festival, which runs through Sunday.
Former NBA player Anferenee Hardaway called Jackson’s performance “absolutely perfect,” and said no one could tell she had been off the concert circuit for any length of time.
“She definitely gets better with age,” he said, smiling.
Fans got a glimpse of Jackson’s new, sassy, short-cropped hair and her signature, shapely figure on the finale show of American Idol where she rocked classics like “Again” and “Nasty” and her latest release, “Nothing,” from the soundtrack of the movie, “Why Did I Get Married Too?,” which she also starred in.
But near the end of her show Friday, they were treated with even more as she depicted a risque, S&M scene with a male participant from the audience, whose hands and arms were strapped into a straight jacket as Jackson — in a flesh-toned body suit — worked him over, whip in hand.
The festival is celebrating the magazine’s 40th anniversary this year and Ebanks said they wanted to do so by putting the spotlight on strong, powerful female artists. In addition to Jackson, the lineup includes Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Monica, Keri Hilson, Chrisette Michele, Lalah Hathaway, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Ledisi, Laura Izibor and New Orleans’ own Irma Thomas.
“It means a great deal for me to be in the company of such wonderful women, women who I have the pleasure of knowing personally,” Jackson said in an interview before her performance. “I’m especially honored to be able to play on a stage that also hosts Gladys Knight. She watched me grow up and I remember her being around the Motown family when I was a kid. It’s definitely an honor.”
Jackson, 44, said she has wanted to come to the festival previously but a jam-packed schedule didn’t allow it.
“It didn’t really permit me this time either, but because I really wanted to do it, we’ve worked it in,” she said.
Jackson also is preparing for another movie collaboration with actor-director Tyler Perry, starring in his upcoming film adaptation, “For Colored Girls.” She plays the “Red” character in the film, which is based on Ntozake Shange’s 1975 Tony Award-nominated play, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.”
Tags: 40th Anniversary, American Idol, Body Suit, Chrisette Michele, Ed Downs, Female Artists, Hardaway, Irma Thomas, Keri Hilson, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Louisiana Superdome, Mary J Blige, Nba Player, Pleasure Principle, Rhythm Nation, Shapely Figure, Superdome In New Orleans, Toned Body, Wonderful Women
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