Janet Jackson is on a 35 city world tour. She’s made scheduled appearances to the East coast, performed several dates overseas in China and will wrap things up over in the West coast and in Europe by April. I’ve seen this woman grace the stage just last year in a sold out arena seating 70,000 at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Janet is one of those superstars that always seem so untouchable, similar to her late outstandingly great brother Michael. So imagine how it feels to witness someone so larger than life in such an intimate setting. It was all so surreal to say the least. Janet is one of the very best to entertain on stage and is in a league of her own. How does one describe the show that Janet puts on? My best way of explaining it is to compare it to a night of ecstasy with a superb lover.
When you first lay eyes on Janet as she enters the stage, your eyes are fixated on her striking silhouette as the lighting makes you aware of her presence. Janet is curvy, yet petite and wearing an ensemble that is quite alluring. She’s more than easy on the eyes. Her body is wrapped in latex and she has her best assets showing. Then she’s off to a dynamic start. She open with Pleasure Principle and looks vibrant and energetic. You see her hunger, you feel her aggression. She is passionate and domineering, not taking any prisoners. Janet doesn’t crack a smile, her game face is on. Janet fiercely struts back and forth confidently across the stage commanding everyone’s attention. Your energy is high and she possesses a certain power over her audience. She breezes through her first session of songs: “Control”, “What have you done lately” and “Feedback” and believe you me all you want is more. More Janet! She is making you say her name. Fans are screaming- “Janet”! She has you in the palm of her hand and after an incredible first round she’s off and running to come back later with another dose.
She has the crowd waiting in anticipation for her. You feel like it was one huge rush that your sobering up from. Janet is once again in high demand. The crowd is chanting “Janet”, “Janet”, “Janet”! …Everyone is feeling the kind of excitement in the air that makes you want to pinch yourself. Instantly she returns and like an experienced lover whisking you away again to be lost in her world. She is now playful, singing hits like: “You want this”, “Miss you much” and showing you her “Nasty” side. It’s hard to sum up what one thing drives you so wild about Jackson, she’s such a professional at what she does. She has great showmanship and every mood of every moment appears to be spontaneous, but the strategic thinking artist knows exactly how to set the tone. Janet’s smile is contagious. The interaction with her dancers is friendly. You are enjoying yourself and feeling giddy almost. It’s not a worry on your mind. Janet is providing the fun and she’s relatable and inviting in this segment. You’re realizing that the music is making you feel good and Janet is proving herself to be everything she was from the start of your journey with her.
When Janet’s performing, she’s the director. You have no choice but to sit there and marvel at this fascinating woman as she works you like a pro, exploring every side there is to her on her stage. Finally it comes to a point in the show where things slow down. The seductress in Janet comes out and she’s tantalizing in numbers like “I get so lonely”. Janet is delivering whether she gives it to you fast or slow. You are mesmerized and watching her move with such great precision live and in the flesh, it’s making your pressure rise. Janet has to be the sexiest artist you’ve ever seen, period! It’s turned off and on like a light switch. Janet then gives you moments to see her sensitivity and vulnerable side. She is gentle and… providing so many reasons for you to fall in love with her as she’s cooing to you on stage. It feels like a soft voice in your ear. She’s singing sweet “Nothing”‘s and reminding people how nice it is when you “Wait a while”. The veins are jumping and yes, the vocals are live where it counts. She sings beautifully, like an angel. Janet is like Christmas; you’re unraveling so many presents and discovering each and every one of her special and unique gifts.
After this segment a rejuvenated Janet once again emerges with another wave of thunder bolt electricity, Janet’s back to finish the job. “Scream”, “If” and “Rhythm Nation” are highlights these are a few songs that get you going again. That magic starts happening and it’s another glorious round.
Eventually she cools you off finally with tunes like “Make me” and “Together Again”, the tribute to her brother feels like a celebration and you leave on a great note instead of feeling emotional. All you think of is Janet’s awesomeness. You leave exasperated … and satisfied!