01of 24Little HamKwame Brathwaite/Ipol/GlobeIn 1975, when she was only 9 years old,Janet Jacksonshowed off her stage presence during a song-and-dance number with brother Michael. Though her father, Joe, managed her career early on, after 1986’sControl,she opted to go on without his help.
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Little Ham
Kwame Brathwaite/Ipol/Globe
In 1975, when she was only 9 years old,Janet Jacksonshowed off her stage presence during a song-and-dance number with brother Michael. Though her father, Joe, managed her career early on, after 1986’sControl,she opted to go on without his help.
02of 24Miss DramaticCBS/Landov; NBC/GLOBEJackson found an affinity for acting on such shows asGood Times(left), on which she costarred as adopted Penny Woods from 1977 to 1979 (at ages 11 to 13). A teenage Jackson later appeared on the hit 1980s seriesDiff’rent Strokesas Todd Bridges’s girlfriend Charlene DuPrey.
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Miss Dramatic
CBS/Landov; NBC/GLOBE
Jackson found an affinity for acting on such shows asGood Times(left), on which she costarred as adopted Penny Woods from 1977 to 1979 (at ages 11 to 13). A teenage Jackson later appeared on the hit 1980s seriesDiff’rent Strokesas Todd Bridges’s girlfriend Charlene DuPrey.
03of 24Marriage MindedGalella/WireImage; Skye/IPOLAfter popping the question herself, an 18-year-old Jackson (left, in 1985) eloped with singer James DeBarge in September 1984, only to see the union fizzle four months later. She went on to wed former dancer Rene Elizondo in 1991, but claimed the two (right, in 1998) were simply lovers, until Elizondo initiated divorce proceedings in 2000.
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Marriage Minded
Galella/WireImage; Skye/IPOL
After popping the question herself, an 18-year-old Jackson (left, in 1985) eloped with singer James DeBarge in September 1984, only to see the union fizzle four months later. She went on to wed former dancer Rene Elizondo in 1991, but claimed the two (right, in 1998) were simply lovers, until Elizondo initiated divorce proceedings in 2000.
04of 24Body BeautifulGeoff Swaine/LFI; GettyAfter years of performing in baggy blazers, the ninth and youngest Jackson (left, at 24 in 1990) revamped her image, and began performing dance routines in eye-popping outfits (right, at 35 in 2001) that became her signature.
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Body Beautiful
Geoff Swaine/LFI; Getty
After years of performing in baggy blazers, the ninth and youngest Jackson (left, at 24 in 1990) revamped her image, and began performing dance routines in eye-popping outfits (right, at 35 in 2001) that became her signature.
05of 24Media MakeoverA&M RecordsIn 1990, Jackson marked her transformation from buttoned-up performer to sexy siren in the Herb Ritts-directed video for “Love Will Never Do Without You,” the last single off 1989’sRhythm Nation.In it, Jackson, then 24, frolicked beachside with a shirtless Antonio Sabato Jr.
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Media Makeover
A&M Records
In 1990, Jackson marked her transformation from buttoned-up performer to sexy siren in the Herb Ritts-directed video for “Love Will Never Do Without You,” the last single off 1989’sRhythm Nation.In it, Jackson, then 24, frolicked beachside with a shirtless Antonio Sabato Jr.
06of 24Sibling RevelryJohn Barr/GettyJanet, then 26, was on hand to congratulate brother Michael, then 34, for his Legend Award at the 1993Grammy Awards. Though their relationship had its share of strains, “Michael’s always been helpful and supportive with Janet,” a former confidant told PEOPLE.
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Sibling Revelry
John Barr/Getty
Janet, then 26, was on hand to congratulate brother Michael, then 34, for his Legend Award at the 1993Grammy Awards. Though their relationship had its share of strains, “Michael’s always been helpful and supportive with Janet,” a former confidant told PEOPLE.
07of 24Serious Sex AppealTo promote her fourth album, 1993’sJanet,Jackson, then 27, appeared topless on the Sept. 16, 1993, cover ofRolling Stone.The pose hinted at the album’s racy lyrics.
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Serious Sex Appeal
To promote her fourth album, 1993’sJanet,Jackson, then 27, appeared topless on the Sept. 16, 1993, cover ofRolling Stone.The pose hinted at the album’s racy lyrics.
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Wild Child
UNE/LFI
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Opposites Attract
Chris Weeks/AP
10of 24Award Winning QueenKevin Winter/GettyA radiant Jackson received a lifetime achievement award at the Soul Train Music Awards in March 2004. “You’ve been there for me during the good times as well as bad, and you’ve uplifted me with your love,” she told the audience.
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Award Winning Queen
Kevin Winter/Getty
A radiant Jackson received a lifetime achievement award at the Soul Train Music Awards in March 2004. “You’ve been there for me during the good times as well as bad, and you’ve uplifted me with your love,” she told the audience.
11of 24The Infamous Halftime ShowPierre Ducharme/ReutersAfter her infamous peekaboo “wardrobe malfunction” moment withJustin Timberlakeat the 2004 Super Bowl, Jackson insisted in a statement that “it was not my intention that it go as far as it did.” (A red-lace bra was reportedly the only thing she planned to reveal.) But the Federal Communications Commission called it a “classless, crass and deplorable stunt.” The fallout seemed to last forever, with CBS forking over $550,000 to the FCC and Jacksonlosing a movie rolebecause of the slip, with Timberlake suffering less than his collaborator.In 2021,Timberlake publicly apologizedto Jackson for the moment.
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The Infamous Halftime Show
Pierre Ducharme/Reuters
After her infamous peekaboo “wardrobe malfunction” moment withJustin Timberlakeat the 2004 Super Bowl, Jackson insisted in a statement that “it was not my intention that it go as far as it did.” (A red-lace bra was reportedly the only thing she planned to reveal.) But the Federal Communications Commission called it a “classless, crass and deplorable stunt.” The fallout seemed to last forever, with CBS forking over $550,000 to the FCC and Jacksonlosing a movie rolebecause of the slip, with Timberlake suffering less than his collaborator.
In 2021,Timberlake publicly apologizedto Jackson for the moment.
12of 24Figure FlatteryFrancois Nel/GettyOne who’s always faced scrutiny for the ups and downs of her weight, Jackson addressed a 60-lb. weight gainin a 2006 interview withExtra.“I could not believe how big I was, how heavy I really was,” the singer, then 40, said. “I would see myself in the mirror, but I wouldn’t look too often. I didn’t want to get used to that image.” She said rumors she’d had plastic surgery to drop the pounds “drive me crazy,” and credited her healthy figure to tough workouts and well-rounded meals.
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Figure Flattery
Francois Nel/Getty
One who’s always faced scrutiny for the ups and downs of her weight, Jackson addressed a 60-lb. weight gainin a 2006 interview withExtra.“I could not believe how big I was, how heavy I really was,” the singer, then 40, said. “I would see myself in the mirror, but I wouldn’t look too often. I didn’t want to get used to that image.” She said rumors she’d had plastic surgery to drop the pounds “drive me crazy,” and credited her healthy figure to tough workouts and well-rounded meals.
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Back in Action
Jeff Vinnick/Getty
14of 24An Unimaginable LossSpencer Weiner/Los Angeles Times/WireImageOn June 25, 2009, Jackson’s brother Michael died, shocking the world — and the singers' tight-knit family. Though she made appearances at the funeral and some public events surrounding his death, Jackson didn’t open much up about losing her brother untila 2010 interview withHarper’s Bazaar.“It’s really hard to believe he’s passed,” she said, recalling their last visit about six weeks before his death, at which they ate Thai food with family and laughed so hard they cried. “I always wanted to have my mother’s strength, but I didn’t know if it was really there,” she shared. “Now at least I know that I can step up to the plate and not crumble when I’m needed. When it comes to something like this that is so, so serious, so painful, so traumatic, I can handle it.”
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An Unimaginable Loss
Spencer Weiner/Los Angeles Times/WireImage
On June 25, 2009, Jackson’s brother Michael died, shocking the world — and the singers' tight-knit family. Though she made appearances at the funeral and some public events surrounding his death, Jackson didn’t open much up about losing her brother untila 2010 interview withHarper’s Bazaar.
“It’s really hard to believe he’s passed,” she said, recalling their last visit about six weeks before his death, at which they ate Thai food with family and laughed so hard they cried. “I always wanted to have my mother’s strength, but I didn’t know if it was really there,” she shared. “Now at least I know that I can step up to the plate and not crumble when I’m needed. When it comes to something like this that is so, so serious, so painful, so traumatic, I can handle it.”
15of 24State of the UnionVittorio Zunino Celotto/GettySurprise! In 2013,Jackson confirmed she’d quietly tied the knot with Qatari businessmanWissam Al Mana the year before. “The rumours regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true,” they toldETOnline, which broke the official wedding news. “Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony. Our wedding gifts to one another were contributions to our respective favourite children’s charities. We would appreciate that our privacy is respected and that we are allowed this time for celebration and joy. With love, Wissam and Janet.”
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State of the Union
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty
Surprise! In 2013,Jackson confirmed she’d quietly tied the knot with Qatari businessmanWissam Al Mana the year before. “The rumours regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true,” they toldETOnline, which broke the official wedding news. “Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony. Our wedding gifts to one another were contributions to our respective favourite children’s charities. We would appreciate that our privacy is respected and that we are allowed this time for celebration and joy. With love, Wissam and Janet.”
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Where’s Janet?
Mark Davis/BET/Getty
17of 24Tour TroublesAlexander Tamargo/GettyWith buzz around the Unbreakable tour building, Jackson broke the news to fans in December 2015 that she was putting the production on hold due toa medical situation. “I need you to know, I learned today, from my doctors that I must have surgery soon,” she wrote on Facebook, adding that it “breaks my heart” to let down fans. “Please pray for me, my family and our entire company during this difficult time. There will be no further comment. I love you all so much and am ever grateful for your understanding and your love. Gon' b alright.“After rumors of cancer gained traction, Jackson took to Twitter toshut them down: “Remember believe it when you hear it from my lips. The rumors are untrue,” she shared. “I do not have cancer. I am recovering. My doctor’s have approved my concerts as scheduled in Europe, and as I promised the postponed shows will be rescheduled. Thank you for your prayers and love.”
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Tour Troubles
Alexander Tamargo/Getty
With buzz around the Unbreakable tour building, Jackson broke the news to fans in December 2015 that she was putting the production on hold due toa medical situation. “I need you to know, I learned today, from my doctors that I must have surgery soon,” she wrote on Facebook, adding that it “breaks my heart” to let down fans. “Please pray for me, my family and our entire company during this difficult time. There will be no further comment. I love you all so much and am ever grateful for your understanding and your love. Gon' b alright.”
After rumors of cancer gained traction, Jackson took to Twitter toshut them down: “Remember believe it when you hear it from my lips. The rumors are untrue,” she shared. “I do not have cancer. I am recovering. My doctor’s have approved my concerts as scheduled in Europe, and as I promised the postponed shows will be rescheduled. Thank you for your prayers and love.”
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Michel Dufour/WireImage
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Ups and Downs
GVK/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
20of 24Back on TourA&EIn late 2017, Jacksonreturned to the stage again, this time for her State of the World tour. Months later, she performed at the Billboard Music Awards, marking her first television performance in nine years. She also received the night’s Icon Award, addressing the #MeToo movement in her acceptance speech.“I believe that for all the challenges, all of our challenges, we live a great moment in history. It’s a moment that at long last women have made it clear that we will not be controlled, manipulated or abused,“she said.“I stand with those women and those men.”
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Back on Tour
A&E
In late 2017, Jacksonreturned to the stage again, this time for her State of the World tour. Months later, she performed at the Billboard Music Awards, marking her first television performance in nine years. She also received the night’s Icon Award, addressing the #MeToo movement in her acceptance speech.
“I believe that for all the challenges, all of our challenges, we live a great moment in history. It’s a moment that at long last women have made it clear that we will not be controlled, manipulated or abused,“she said.“I stand with those women and those men.”
21of 24Losing Her FatherJim Smeal/WireImageIn June 2018,Jackson mourned the loss of her father, Joe, who died at the age of 89 from pancreatic cancer.The Jackson family patriarch was responsible for fostering the careers of Janet and her siblings. But the late manager and father of 11 did so through tough love, which often left his children struggling to connect with him.“He’s very tough,“Jackson told Piers Morganduring an intimate chat for his now-canceled CNN talk show in 2011.“When my brother Randy and I came along, I think my parents got pretty tired,” she explained. “Having nine kids and raising these children, my other brothers and sisters would say, ‘You guys have it so easy.’ My parents were a lot more lenient with us. I thought I had it very strict.”
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Losing Her Father
Jim Smeal/WireImage
In June 2018,Jackson mourned the loss of her father, Joe, who died at the age of 89 from pancreatic cancer.
The Jackson family patriarch was responsible for fostering the careers of Janet and her siblings. But the late manager and father of 11 did so through tough love, which often left his children struggling to connect with him.
“He’s very tough,“Jackson told Piers Morganduring an intimate chat for his now-canceled CNN talk show in 2011.
“When my brother Randy and I came along, I think my parents got pretty tired,” she explained. “Having nine kids and raising these children, my other brothers and sisters would say, ‘You guys have it so easy.’ My parents were a lot more lenient with us. I thought I had it very strict.”
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A Big Honor
Janet Jackson.Dave J Hogan/Getty
In 2019, Jackson hit a serious career milestone: she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In her speech, she thanked her son for showing her “the meaning of real, unconditional love,” as well as her father,for encouraging her career.
“When I was a kid, my dream wasn’t to be a singer. I wanted to go to college and I wanted to be a lawyer. It was my father’s dream,” she said of Joe, who died in June 2018. “He wanted me to become this wonderful performer, he encouraged me. He was the first to encourage me and music became my passion.”
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Janet Jackson.David Becker/Getty
Also in 2019, Jackson thrilled fans with a Las Vegas residency, Metamorphosis. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland were among thecelebs that showed upto cheer her on over the course of 18 nights.
“It was about 46 years ago that I made my debut, I was 7 years old, right here in Las Vegas,“she told the crowdon opening night. “And the beautiful thing about it, I was at the MGM hotel with my brothers and sisters. It’s so amazing how things come full circle.”
In 2020,she announced a new album,Black Diamond,and accompanying tour, but plans were bumped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
24of 24Speaking Her TruthLifetimeThe superstar told allin the documentaryJANET, which aired over two nights beginning Jan. 28, 2022, on Lifetime and A&E, commemorating the 40th-anniversary celebration of her debut album.“You’ve been very private about your personal life up until now. Why did you want to do this documentary?“Jackson is askedin a teaser clip before responding, “It’s just something that needs to be done.”
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Speaking Her Truth
Lifetime
The superstar told allin the documentaryJANET, which aired over two nights beginning Jan. 28, 2022, on Lifetime and A&E, commemorating the 40th-anniversary celebration of her debut album.
“You’ve been very private about your personal life up until now. Why did you want to do this documentary?“Jackson is askedin a teaser clip before responding, “It’s just something that needs to be done.”
source: people.com
