After nearly five decades in the spotlight, Janet Jackson is telling her story on her terms.
The ‘Control’ singer is once again taking ownership – and this time it’s of her narrative.
Raw and unvarnished, the singer’s self-titled documentary sees the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer lift the lid on all corners of her life – personal and professional.
Promised and delivered is a front-row seat to the peaks and troughs that have defined a story like no other.
Janet and a star-studded list of guests dive into her non-linear rise to mega-stardom, romantic relationships, and the devastating blows that she’s had to overcome.
That Grape Juice was privy to an advanced look at the first three hours of the eagerly awaited four-hour special – which the superstar executive produced herself.
Much has been splashed across the press in the recent week, so join us below for must-see moments that you’ve yet to hear about…
Writing ‘Scream’ with Brother Michael Jackson
Few collaborations, if any, can match the mega-wattage that was Janet and Michael’s 1995 classic ‘Scream.’
On the surface, the ‘HiStory’ hit was the long-awaited team-up between music’s most successful siblings.
Beneath the shiny veneer, though, it was clear that combating the trials MJ faced as a family was the central engine powering the collaboration.
This scene is riveting for many reasons. Because for as much as the King and Queen of Pop have spoken lovingly about each other over the years, words are no rival for actually seeing the seismic siblings in action together.
It’s very much a window-peek into the “real” dynamic and synergy between the two titans.
Filmed in Michael’s apartment in 1993 (right after the media circus began and two years before folk even knew of the song’s existence), there was no celebrity grandstanding.
Instead, viewers will see the brother and sister dynamic in its rawest form, as well as their joint artistic gravitas as they bounce ideas off each other while crafting the track.
At one point, in a voice more volumized than the persona he presented in public, Michael verbatim calls on Janet to deliver her part akin to her performance on ‘Rhythm Nation’ hit ‘Black Cat.’
The love, mutual respect, and clear comfort make this a standout.
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The Highs & Lows of Her Longest Relationship with Rene Elizondo Jr.
A throughline in the documentary is how guarded Janet has been over the course of her spell in the spotlight.
As such, one of the most intriguing chapters is the deep dive into her relationship with creative René Elizondo Jr.
In a world before social media, Janet’s relationship with the director – who she began dating in 1987 and secretly married in 1991 – was largely unknown to most. Even by the time they divorced in 2000.
The documentary lifts the lid on the union like never before, largely with the help of candid accounts from Janet and key figures from that time in her life such as choreographer Tina Landon.
In some regards, Elizondo was significantly ahead of his time. For, his decision to constantly capture behind-the-scenes footage of their life (fly on the wall style) illuminates much of what worked with the couple and as well as what led to their ultimate undoing.
His presence spans the ‘Control,’ ‘Rhythm Nation,’ ‘Janet,’ and ‘Velvet Rope’ eras and brings with it many never-before-seen candid moments.
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A Huge Coca-Cola Sponsorship Was on the Cards…Until It Wasn’t
By the 90s, there was no doubt that Janet was a formidable force in her own right. Indeed, she served as one of the biggest and most commercially viable stars in music at the time.
Naturally, then, she magnetized ample brand interest…including what was set to be a mega-millions endorsement deal with Coca-Cola.
The documentary showcases a board-room meeting with Janet’s voice-over sharing that the deal was essentially “done.”
Yet, according to the diva, it was rescinded in the wake of the allegations made against her brother Michael.
In the press this week, much ado has been made about Janet’s remarks about MJ. However – from our vantage point – she speaks highly of her big brother the entire way through.
This moment, though, is where viewers will see the complexities of being a “Jackson” and the impact narratives that effectively have nothing to do with Janet still affected her fiscally.
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Janet’s Image Issues Came From Various Sources
Janet has been open about her struggles with body image over the decades, but rarely this open.
For, while she’s spoken on the scrutiny women often place on themselves, as well as beauty standards presented by the media dating back to her stint on ‘Good Times,’ the documentary sees her reveal how some of the central figures in her life uttered words that would impact how she saw herself moving forward. This includes siblings and a husband.
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And There’s More…
As mentioned, That Grape Juice (and the press more broadly) were provided a look at three of the four parts set to hit screens. The final hour has been under lock and key and has not been pre-screened to media.
With that, murmurs are gaining volume about a “special appearance” in the penultimate part.
What That Grape Juice can confirm via Lifetime is that the fourth hour will feature new music performed by Janet entitled ‘Luv I Luv,’ created during the making of the documentary.
‘Janet Jackson’ continues on Lifetime tonight (January 29) at 8/7c.
I’ve seen her in concert four times and I have CDs, tapes, DVDs, books and even sheet music, so maybe it’s just me, but I found Part 1 & 2 to be mostly surface level with short answers and basic information. Paula, Debbie and Rene’s old interview offered more insight into Janet’s life than she herself.
The most interesting parts to me included Janet walking through her childhood home, and the footage of her and Rene. There were just always some second and third questions that weren’t asked. When she spoke about the shift between her and Michael, for example, did they ever talk about it? What feelings did she express to him and what was the response? When she spoke about penning her own lyrics, what’s her process for writing lyrics, melodies, hooks? And you can’t let Jimmy say Rhythm Nation is still the biggest debut tour ever and not find a way to give us detail or insight about Janet’s involvement in creating the tour, the short film, etc. I’m hoping Parts 3 & 4 will be more in depth.
I agree with you. I would have loved to see more behind the scenes of the making of the Rhythm Nation tour. I did enjoy watching her learn choreography with Paula Abdul. Dancing didn’t appear to come naturally to Janet at first, like maybe we would have expected. A “ MJ this is it” type filming for her RN tour would be a dream come true!
Dancing appeared to come very natural for her lol. Did u see the family Vegas show footage. She was just shy
I guess I meant more technical dancing. The choreography. It was her first tour. It seem like she was having some trouble. But maybe she was just learning the choreography for the first time
@Chester w.t.f. are you talking about?? Janet killed those dances flawlessly. Looks like she could of did it with her eyes close. And the tour scene, if you pay attention to the body language she still does all of those moves in her tours to date… technical dancing is her Forte. Idk if you were paying attention to the reviews but people were BLOWN AWAY from her first tour.
This was a great first part. Excited for it to continue tonight. I loved that opening scene when she in Gary, and she comes across that beautiful mural of her brothers. And she becomes emotional. It was very authentic. To be in the city, where they all were born. And to come so far and successful. They really were that American Dream. I also loved your private videos Rene shot during Rhthym Nation. I loved seeing the opening night of her tour, and seeing the fans come from so far to see her.
I got emotional several times, not necessarily from sadness, but from memories. It’s great that Janet is still in her prime, and she’s doing this now. It makes me even more excited to see what she’s going to be doing in her next album era!
Janet is a queen!!
Youz a fraud. S.t.f.u.
Listening to Pleasure Principle ready for Part 2. 💯 🕺 🕺 💕
I’m so ready for Black diamond! This is the longest gap for Janet releasing any album.
There’s 7 years between Discipline and Unbreakable
Exactly…. I was about to say…. lol.
She didn’t even talk about her super bowl half time show incident. 💅🏾 Wow! I didn’t know a stripper knows how to dodge bullets💯👠#JUSTICFORJUSTIN
That comes up on the 2nd part racist. With your prolapsed and swollen cooch 😂
I think as a group we need unite together ignore and not respond to negative people on this site. Instead of communicating effectively about current music news, there are those who aren’t capable. We need to not respond to them or their immature comments. Eventually they will go away. When you respond, you give them what they want. We must pay them dust!
That’s not gonna happened, sweetie 💅🏾 People like you are obsessed with da real Diva 💋💯 I’m gonna feedback feedback
I actually enjoyed the docu series. Janet is so adorable & has such a delicate spirit. Her energy is so refreshing especially on Lifetime channel were every show has these crazy b*tches.
I actually enjoyed the docu series. Janet is so adorable & has such a delicate spirit. Her energy is so refreshing especially on Lifetime channel were every show has these crazy b*tches.
I actually enjoyed the docu series. Janet is so adorable & has such a delicate spirit. Her energy is so refreshing especially on Lifetime channel were every show has these crazy b*tches.
I actually enjoyed the docu series. Janet is so adorable & has such a delicate spirit. Her energy is so refreshing especially on Lifetime channel were every show has these crazy b*tches.
Oops! Sorry for the multiple replies. The long delays made me think my comments wouldn’t show up.
And wouldn’t THAT have been a tragedy! 🙄 Ain’t nobody worried about your comments, boo boo.
I see need to put you back in ur cage. And here I was nice enough to let you roam free. Keep it up & I may have to call animal control.
You can’t even control your bladder.
I think as a group we need unite together ignore and not respond to negative people on this site. Instead of communicating effectively about current music news, there are those who aren’t capable. We need to not respond to them or their immature comments. Eventually they will go away. When you respond, you give them what they want. We must pay them dust!💯
Go sip some Fishy Pîss
Facts. Shayla Q**** needs to go figure out how to keep CPS out her business lol.
Y’all jealous höes stay hating 💋
And she’s a fake wannabe raptress playin online rockstar games…all the more reason to ignore this triflin immature troll. LOL
You know you love the Mistle-h*** album 💋
🤣🤣 LMAO!! Girl don’t do that. You can’t even “listen” to that fake childish mess. Go find you a real hobby! 😂
You LOVE the Queen’s ENTIRE discography! Ain’t nothing but HITS coming out my mouth! I don’t be talking a whole bunch of bûllshît!
Janet still hasn’t confirmed or denied having a secret daughter lmaoooo. All she had to say was NO!
She denied it lol. Quit putting out false info troll.
Why y’all constantly pushing this queen of pop narrative? I love Janet but quit disrespecting Madonna by pushing that nonsense. Janet is an icon but she is miles away from Madge as far as sales, global influence and cultural significance. How angry would people be if we started saying Timberlake or Bieber was the King of Pop yet y’all constantly trying to discredit Madonna who has sold 3x what Janet has sold and dozens more top 10 hits. You don’t need to discredit Madge for Janet to be an icon on her own merits which she is!
Plenty of people have coined Justin Timberlake and Bieber as Kings of Pop! Numerous of articles out there Justifying it. Did we get mad? NOPE! lol. Because we knew and know it’s far from the truth AND Amerikkka works in their favor. Madonna will always win on literal “popular” terms its the unfortunate truth…
But Janet’s impact is on another level. Especially with her having to work MUCH harder than all of her peers to even get the recognition. That’s honestly still a struggle today for her, which is why she is truly on her terms.. No label can her. Janet is literally in her OWN league. Forever duplicated, you see that in ladies and some men over the lifespan of her entire career.
So I agree, it’s nonsense to compare the ladies. Madonna is a force in her own right, but it’s also disrespectful to Janet. You can compare her to no one.
Parts 1 and 2 were an EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION to Janet’s phenomenal career. As a LONG TIME FAN, I am more excited about parts 3 and 4.
My favorite part was seeing Janet write, sing and recording in the studio for Rhythm Nation 1814 and the fight with Jimmy. I guess they never got the vocal they wanted because I didn’t recognize the song.
The special, so far, is what I thought it would be. Janet’s just too private for introspection on the world stage in the way they advertised it. Each fan has their own unique relationship with Janet and that’s probably all we’ll ever have. And for me that’s more than enough. This documentary seems more like a trailer for Black Diamond album/tour that I’m guessing is going to be announced soon?
They did get the song, it ended up being the B side to Miss U Much. The song is called “You Need Me”
OK, thanks! I know I’ve heard the song but can’t remember it. My RN B-side is “Skin Game.”