There’s no question that fans have always appreciated the multi-dimensional talent of Janet Jackson. She has proven herself over and over again throughout the years, giving her brother, Michael Jackson, a run for his money, while also possessing a natural acting talent, marketable beauty, and the passion to empower women. Her ability to stand on her own amid the blazing phoenix of her superstar brothers was a clear indication that she wasn’t a flash-in-the pan entertainer — in fact, her career has spanned five decades.
Now, Lifetime, A&E, and Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) are coming together to bring viewers JANET, a coming-of-age documentary about the “Control” singer. The documentary teaser shows rare behind-the-scenes footage from performances and TV and film sets, along with unseen personal footage with her family.
“This is my story, told by me,” Jackson says in the one-minute clip. “Not through someone else’s eyes. This is the truth. Take it or leave it. Love it or hate it. This is me.”
See the Documentary Teaser for JANET Below:
Quite a private person, fans are definitely eager to hear Jackson’s own account of controversial moments in her life, including the deaths of Michael Jackson and her father Joe Jackson, her relationships with James DeBarge and Jermaine Dupri, the whole Justin Timberlake Super Bowl incident, and her decision to have a baby in her 50s.
Hopefully, the documentary will also reveal Jackson’s process for conquering her fears and dreams. At the beginning of her career, so many people doubted Jackson, picnicking at everything from her relationship with her family, her weight, and her love interests. Her first two albums, Janet Jackson (1982) and Dream Street (1984), did chart in the U.S. but saw limited success.
Despite the chatter, Jackson broke out of her family’s shadow wearing all black and equipped with fierce choreography — it also helped that she was backed by the legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. For Jackson, third time would be a charm. Her 1986 album Control smashed records charting at No. 1 on Billboard and selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
The “Together Again” singer followed up with equally impactful albums Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), janet. (1993), The Velvet Rope (1997), and All for You (2001). Her discography includes a total of 11 studio albums, seven of those charting at No. 1, and 78 singles.
Janet Jackson was and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in an industry that has attempted to duplicate and imitate the queen. But, don’t get it twisted.
Janet is set for a release over two days in January.
