If you didn’t know, Janet Jackson is gearing up to turn the big 6-0! Yes, the woman who took us on a trip to “Rhythm Nation,” had us wondering what was behind that “Velvet Rope” and yearning for “Control” is turning 60 this month and what a life she’s lived over these last several decades!
Chief among her contributions to society is no doubt her musical offerings, which launched millions of fans, countless hits, and albums so iconic, it’d be shame to just pick one. And that’s exactly why we thought we’d honor the famous Jackson family member by taking a quick trip down memory lane and gagging at some of her best performances. From music videos to performances onstage, keep reading to see which ones made the list!
“All for You” Tour, Live in Hawaii- February 2002
OK, so we know you probably expected something else to be at the top of this list. But let’s face it, the sheer amount of tension, yearning, desire, and showmanship Janet put on during her tour—and specifically towards this man at the Hawaii stop in 2002—is something even today’s artists couldn’t replicate if they tried! Whew, is it hot in here, or is it just Janet?
“Rhythm Nation”
Well, duh, you should’ve already known “Rhythm Nation” was going to be in the top three. We almost put it as number one, but that felt a bit too obvious. We’ve got to keep you on your toes like the choreography in this video does!
“Nasty”
Once again, we’re taking a walk on Janet’s sexier side by putting “Nasty” close to the top. Can you really blame us? The woman had massive sex appeal and killer moves to go along with it. That’s a winner in our book!
“That’s the Way Love Goes” at the 1993 MTV VMAs
Everything about this performance is “tea,” as today’s kids say. From the moves, to the hair, to the outfit, to the abs—who was really doing it like Janet back then?
“I Get So Lonely” at The Music Factory Awards- 2001
This performance lives so rent-free in our minds 25 years later that they might as well sign the lease and start collecting payment from us. Wow, just wow! You can clearly see where folks like Britney Spears and Beyoncé got their blueprints from.
“The Pleasure Principle”
Who knew all we needed to see was Janet, an empty room, and a chair for her to give us some truly iconic dance moves! If you start to hear some noise in the next room over, don’t worry—it’s just us trying to copy her. Just pay us, no mind!
“What Have You Done For Me Lately”- 1987 Grammys
Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and The Time all accompanied Janet to do this song? In no way was this performance ever not going to be legendary!
“All for You”
If summer had a definitive song and a definitive look, it would be Janet Jackson in her “All For You” music video. And the dance breaks in between? Come on now, she wasn’t playing fair!
“Alright”
The Cab Calloway influences here, plus her way of making menswear look way better on a woman, were enough for us to be sold on this song!
“If” at Madison Square Garden in 1993
While “If” may not be the immediate song people pick as their favorite (even though you could make a strong argument that it should be), this performance that she did at Madison Square Garden back in ’93 is one of those ones that should garner nothing but praise. (No wonder why Teyana Taylor recreated this look!)
“Control”- American Music Awards 1987
“Control” in and of itself is a fire song, sure enough, but the way she laid it out for audiences during the American Music Awards in 1987 was just yet another example of how crazy talented she was.
“Scream”- Janet & Michael Jackson
Listen: there’s really not much convincing here when it comes to what she and Michael did in this “Scream” music video. People had been waiting with bated breath for the two talented siblings to collab, and we are all grateful that this was the offering they gave us!
Janet’s Emotional Tribute to Her Late Brother at 2009 VMAs
While bittersweet, seeing Janet pop out to honor Michael’s death at the 2009 VMAs was one of those moments that you couldn’t help but be in awe of her strength, vulnerability, and still epic moves. The side-by-side with the camera was just a chef’s kiss.
