We can’t remember the last time Janet Jackson looked so hot. Decked out by the team at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia in our national colours of green, black and red, the 45-year-old singer poses at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit ahead of next weekend’s Formula 1 races (11 to 13 November) and we’re pretty sure the singing legend has never looked so fierce. Grab a copy on shelves now if you were in any doubt that life could begin at 40, and if you can’t wait to read what Janet has to say, here are some highlights of her chat with Harper’s...
Janet Jackson on the Death of Michael Jackson
“It was very difficult for me at the beginning – it was too raw. But now, I’m able to listen to Michael’s music and watch his videos. Now I love hearing someone stopped at the lights blasting Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ and seeing them enjoy what he created. Time heals. I don’t know if I will ever fully heal, but I’m definitely better than I was.
Janet Jackson on her Weight Issues
“When I did my first show [Good Times] when I was 10, I remember the wardrobe person wanting to strap my chest down. They didn’t tell me they were going to do it or why… I was a developing girl and they wanted me to be flat-chested. They even told me I was ‘fat’ and needed to ‘lose weight’. There I was, aged 10, and that was the first thing they put in my head. And it stuck with me – I wasn’t good enough.”
Janet Jackson on her Career
“I probably would have chosen a different route, given the choice. I originally wanted to study Business Law. I hoped one day I might become an actress, but then, really, all I wanted was to go to school.”
Janet Jackson on Being a Jackson
“There was a lot of sibling rivalry, a lot of music, a lot of noise and constant singing while we were doing our chores. I’d be sweeping, Randy would be doing the dishes and Mike cleaning the counter. We’d make up melodies and put three-part harmonies to them – it was great practice, and made chores go so much quicker.”
Janet Jackson on Growing Up
“I still have a lot of kid in me. I just think I stopped at a certain age and never really developed beyond that. I didn’t have much of a childhood and I guess I’m subconsciously holding onto that. I’ve always had a very playful spirit and that will always be a part of my life.”
Janet Jackson On Fame
“If I had to make a choice, I could step away from the limelight – I could give it all up. But you do have to remember that ‘this’ is life for me; it’s all I know. It’s been very good to me and I love it, but it’s not everything. Our parents instilled that in us very early on – to make sure we all stayed grounded, to know that this was all due to a higher power and could be taken away in an instant. I enjoy working and don’t think I could ever just sit still and put my feet up or retire – I like to be busy. That said, my life is wonderful now but it’s also simple – I’m a simple person who enjoys simple things. I like going to the beach, being on the water, seeing movies, hanging out with my friends, going out for dinner, listening to music, reading, travelling…”
With special thanks to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
INFO: The November issue of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia is available at all good magazine outlets. Harper’s Bazaar Arabia is published by ITP in Dubai and distributed in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Lebanon. Follow Harper’s Bazaar Arabia online at www.facebook.com/HarpersBazaarArabia and on Twitter at @BazaarArabia.
