Best Moments and Biggest Surprises From Janet Jackson’s New Las Vegas Residency

by

As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed the evolution of pop culture through various console generations, I have to say that Janet Jackson’s latest Las Vegas residency, “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas,” is a testament to an unparalleled career spanning five decades. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a journey through time, a museum of pop culture icons, and a masterclass in showmanship.

I’ve seen many artists stack their residencies with the greatest hits, but Jackson defies that formula, creating a setlist that feels like an encyclopedia of her career. She takes the slow-burn approach into her big hits, much like how I progress through levels in a classic game – building anticipation and rewarding patience.

The surprises were plentiful, from the live debuts to songs not performed live in many years. It’s like stumbling upon a rare collectible in a hidden room during a game, and it’s thrilling!

What impressed me most, though, was the fashion. From her iconic blazers to her sheer ensembles, Jackson never fails to make an entrance. It’s like leveling up your character with a new outfit, and Thom Browne and Christian Louboutin have crafted some epic costumes for this show.

In the end, what’s missing from the show is direct commentary from Jackson. But as they say in gaming, actions speak louder than words. And with five decades of work speaking for itself, perhaps that was her plan all along – to let her music and style do the talking.

And on a lighter note, who knew leveling up could be so glamorous? It’s like unlocking the ultimate secret boss in the game of life!

Few artists can boast of a 50-year career performing in Las Vegas, but Janet Jackson achieved this milestone with her latest residency at the Resorts World Theatre. On Monday, she celebrated her golden anniversary on the Strip, reminiscing about her first performance back in 1974 at the MGM Grand alongside her family, The Jackson 5. Her mother, Katherine Jackson, and Tyler Perry were among the sold-out audience for the opening night.

Janet Jackson’s residency at Park MGM, titled “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas,” continues where her 2019 show “Metamorphosis” left off and mirrors the structure of her 2023-24 tour, ‘Together Again.’ The opening night includes some unexpected elements, such as first-time live performances and songs that haven’t been played live in years. Unlike other artists who focus their Vegas residencies on their biggest hits, Jackson’s performance feels like a comprehensive overview of her career — spanning two hours, 43 songs, memorable choreography, and a nod to the fashion trends that solidified her status as a pop culture legend.

As a risk-taking gamer, I’ve always been one to shake things up and defy conventions, just like Ms. Jackson did when she stepped out in her first double-breasted blazer for 1986’s Control album. Instead of sticking to the traditional residency formula, she opted for a slow-burn approach, keeping the crowd guessing by cycling through snippets from seven lesser-known tracks throughout the night. From the pulsating beats of “Throb” off her ‘Janet’ album to the groovy rhythms of “2Nite” from Discipline, she took us on a musical journey before dropping a widely recognizable hit – “Go Deep” from The Velvet Rope. It was a night filled with surprises and I loved every minute of it!

As the crowd eagerly anticipated a blockbuster opener, Jackson instead demonstrated her free spirit with “JJ: LV” unfolding as a lengthy, emotionally resonant production reminiscent of her career’s ups and downs. The show seamlessly transitioned through various decades, reflecting changes in genres, personal interests, societal trends, and life events. Compared to “Metamorphosis,” which featured a more story-driven approach with minimal production, “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas” relies on the power of lyrics, choreography, artistic direction, costumes, and pyrotechnics to tell its story.

The Biggest Surprises 

For his Las Vegas performance, Jackson mixed up some unexpected hits in the playlist. With 11 studio albums at her disposal, she had an abundance of songs to select from, and since it’s been nearly a decade since she released new music, Jackson dusted off some forgotten favorites that left devoted fans ecstatic.

Following her performance of “Love Will Never Do Without You,” featuring snippets from her black-and-white desert video with Antonio Sabato Jr., Janet showcased the song “Twenty Foreplay” from her album “Design of a Decade,” last performed in 2017. She swiftly moved on to “I Want You,” originally co-written by Kanye West and John Legend, produced by West, and taken from her album “Damita Jo.” Throughout the concert, she interspersed several other songs before introducing the title track from her most critically acclaimed and introspective album, “The Velvet Rope,” which hadn’t been performed since 1999. The audience was treated to the live premiere of “Broken Hearts Heal” from her 2015 album “Discipline.” The night’s most significant moment came with a rendition of “Young Love” from 1982, a song she hadn’t performed live since 2010.

The Best Moments

Jackson is known for her timeless styles, such as her iconic blazers from ‘Control’, her military attire in ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’, and her low-slung jeans in ‘Janet’. For this show, American fashion designer Thom Browne designed four magnificent costumes, with Christian Louboutin crafting personalized footwear. In the opening scene, Jackson was enveloped in a long, satiny black coat that later unveiled a gold sequined catsuit adorned with a necktie and cuffs – a tribute to her 50th anniversary. During “That’s the Way Love Goes”, she nailed all the iconic dance moves from the MTV generation, including the criss-cross snap choreography that was synonymous with the song. Time after time, Jackson flawlessly recreates the dances that were signature to her career.

In a second glance, the blazer paired with pants and a corset became semi-transparent, highlighting the impressive physique of the 58-year-old performer during performances of “All for You,” “Alright,” “Escapade,” and “Miss You Much,” which had most of the crowd up dancing and mimicking iconic moves. The energetic set concluded with a series of hits: “Come Back to Me,” “Let’s Wait Awhile,” and “I Get Lonely.” Instead of her usual troupe of dancers, she was joined only by a glowing Earth figure on stage.

As a longtime fan of Janet Jackson, I was absolutely thrilled to witness her electrifying performance at “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas.” The show took me on a captivating journey through her illustrious career, from the rebellious energy of “Nasty” to the tender love ballads like “When I Think of You.” The set design and costumes were impeccable, particularly the latex corset, sequin plaid pants, and shoulder shrug that perfectly encapsulated the 80s vibe.

The anthemic works and rock-edge tracks such as “Scream,” “Black Cat,” and “Rhythm Nation” were powerfully delivered, with Jackson’s iconic black latex catsuit adding a touch of sophistication to the high-energy performances. The show was not just about the music, though; it also offered an intimate glimpse into her life backstage, where we saw her applying makeup before returning for “Together Again” and “Better Days.”

This experience was more than just a concert; it was a testament to Janet Jackson’s timeless talent and enduring legacy. Her ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to herself is something that resonated deeply with me, as I too have had to navigate my own journey through life and career. This show left me feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to bear witness to such an incredible artist.

The show seems incomplete without Jackson’s extensive commentary, as he merely greeted the audience briefly. Yet, it appears that his vast body of work spanning over five decades speaks louder than any scripted speech; maybe this was part of his strategy all along.

“Janet Jackson: Las Vegas” continues Dec. 31, Jan. 3-4 and Feb. 5, 7–8, 12, 14–15.

Read More

2024-12-31 22:55