Together Again

I had the great pleasure in attending a JANET JACKSON concert Monday night! First, I would like to say that she lived up to every expectation and more! As we sat and waited for her to come out, the anticipation was killing me! She has SO many hits, I had no idea where she would start. The lights dim, and the big screen plays her iconic video, “Rhythm Nation.” Now, at this point I was a little upset, because I was under the impression that she wouldn’t perform the song (which is CRAZY because it’s one of her biggest hits!). She came out with no wig, au natural hair in a silver onesie with her cleavage looking perfect, as usual. She went straight into her hits with “Pleasure Principle” “What Have You Done For Me Lately” and “Feedback”. She then stopped and just stared at the crowd. Soo reminiscent of Michael Jackson; he would actually do this at the beginning if his concert before he even began to sing. The crowd went NUTS. She owned that stage and everyone in the venue. She then went into “Miss You Much” and “Nasty Girl” just to name a few of her 80’s hits. She left the stage and the monitors began to play a video montage of some sitcoms and movies she’s appeared in such as Good Times and Poetic Justice. She appears on a stool, center stage, and begins her ballad set with songs like “I’ll Never Fall in Love with You Again”. She then rose to power through many of her hits like “I Get So Lonely” “If” “Scream” and she actually performed “Rhythm Nation”!!!!! Janet still dances like she did back in the 80’s and 90’s, with sex appeal and total precision. She did not miss one beat, and she also sang EVERY song. I was so amazed to see her because not only is she a great performer, but I think that may be the closest I’ll ever get to seeing Michael Jackson perform. You can tell that she admired his work ethic and dedication so much that she took that with her throughout her career. Just the way she hits her marks, and snaps her fingers, and two-steps, you can really recognize his influence over her. She then left the stage for a while and the crowd started chanting “JANET! JANET! JANET!” I couldn’t even imagine being backstage and hearing my name like that! It must be such a mind-blowing experience. She then reappeared in a white onesie, boobs on POINT as usual, and she went into her hit “Together Again.” Her dancers made circles around her as she led them in the choreography. The song’s bridge then began to infiltrate everyone’s ears as the big screen showed images of her and Michael Jackson as children. She put her arms out, looked up, kissed her hand and whispered “I love you” to Michael up above. I literally teared up. I could only imagine what she was feeling at that moment. But it was so genuine and heart-felt, there was obviously a reason why she saved that moment for last. I don’t think I’d be able to perform after paying homage to MJ like that. SO EMOTIONAL!
To be honest, I was expecting more theatrics, perhaps bringing a fan on stage and groping them like she’s done in the past, but she's at a an age in her life where you can see her growth and maturity as an artist. She doesn’t even NEED the theatrics. The whole concert was just her and her 6 dancers and her band. Who could ask for anything more?