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.