Janet Jackson Answers Questions From Fans 2010
Devoted Janet Jackson fans delivered when TheBoomBox.com called on them to ask the superstar singer questions about her busy and accomplished life, which includes a new 'Number Ones' album, movies such as 'For Colored Girls,' a forthcoming book, 'True You' and her biggest world tour yet. The 'Nothing' songstress will rely on her supporters to choose the 35 cities, across the globe, that she'll perform in during 2011. Fans can vote on their preferred city and map out the schedule at her official website, JanetJackson.com.
Since tour announcement on Nov. 19, Janet's loyal followers have asked the veteran entertainer everything from her favorite acting role to the new artist she yearns to work with. She even reveals what advice she would give herself during her days on the come-up. Check out the 16 questions Ms. Jackson answered in detail after the jump.
Your music inspires people in many ways, but who inspires you and how have they inspired you? (via @scoop_1972)
Growing up, I was inspired by jazz, bossa nova and artists like Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. With bossa nova, it is the rhythms. The mood and tone put me in such a euphoric state that I fell in love with it. With jazz, the moodiness of it I found very sexy. The beat can be so rhythmic. I love the drums.
With the ever-changing canvas of pop artists, are there any that you would truly like to work with? (via @DJ3DDP)
There are so many I couldn't possibly name them all, but I really like Bruno Mars.
What has been your favorite acting role to date, and why? (via @LezCity)
That is like asking me to pick my favorite niece or nephew. I have enjoyed each role. The characters are fun to get to know, and I have met so many incredible people along the way. Every time I get to breath life into a character, I have so much fun. From Penny on 'Good Times' to Jo in 'For Colored Girls,' I have had a great time. Acting was always what I thought I would do, so it is nice to get back to it.
Since you have been focused on acting, why have you decided to tour at this time? (via @traymon45)
I love performing for the fans. When you are in the studio recording a CD or filming a movie it's not the same ... There is so much energy when you are on stage and it is nice to give that joy to the fans.
How will this tour be different from the rest, and how will this be your biggest tour ever? (via @raylo85)
I was performing at Radio City in New York and I had such a good time being up close and personal with the audience so I decided to pick more intimate locations for this tour. I am excited to see where the fans will ask for me to go. I have been spending a lot of time in Europe this year and fans were camping outside my hotel. Whenever I would leave, they would ask me when I am going to perform in specific cities. That gave me the idea to ask them to vote on where they would like to see me go. The response has been amazing. People have asked me to go all over -- Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Shanghai, London, Sydney ... everywhere. This will be my largest tour because we are planning on visiting every continent.
What three songs do you like performing the most? (via Merrie Nance)
It can tend to change, but at the moment, the three I really enjoy are 'Together Again,' 'Discipline' and 'Control.'
Do you plan on releasing a DVD of this tour or a TV special for fans who can't afford concert tickets? (via @BtVSnSMGrule)
I am not planning a DVD or [TV] special at this time, but it's a good idea.
Janet, what do you think of releasing a CD with unreleased songs? A nice box set with the best unreleased recordings would be so amazing! (via Achilles Hartsteen)
That is a cool idea. I am working on a box set with Universal Music right now. Maybe we will add some of the songs that people are not as familiar with.
Dear Janet -- when you wake up, what's the one thing you look forward to most? And what keeps you going throughout the day? (via @tharryt)
My morning prayer ... I love life. Every day is an adventure and I can't wait to dream up new things to do. When I was interviewed about being named the newest legend for Blackglama, all I could think of was that I have so much more to do. Having fun with work and of course friends and family keep me energized.
Everyone is talking about how they would love a 'Glee' episode full of your music. How do you feel about that? (via @thatdarrell)
'Glee' is a great show. Everyone that works on it is so talented. I think it would be funny to see Jane Lynch, who plays Sue Sylvester, sing 'Control.'
Janet, in recent interviews you mentioned that you are thinking about heading back into the studio to record some new material. What creative mood are you feeling for the new material as of now? (via Matt Walker)
I don't know yet. I just finished writing my book 'True You,' which comes out in February and with finishing 'Why Did I Get Married Too' and 'For Colored Girls,' along with planning the tour, I haven't been able to spend much time on that yet. I am going to wait until I go into the studio. I'll see what I am feeling at that time and be motivated by what is going on.
What is it that inspires you to write a fun song, like 'Black Cat' or 'Escapade'? What do you think about when you write songs like that? (via Marietta Nicole Vaughn)
Life experiences.
Do you see yourself in the vein of Tina Turner and touring well into your 60s? (via @Chazz4you)
I don't know. I will have to address that when I get there.
What is the one thing you wish to accomplish but haven't as of yet? (via Gabriel Green)
There is so much, but one thing I will share with you is that I would love to be in a show on Broadway one day. It is a whole different type of discipline and I would like to experience that.
With everything you have going on and different projects, would you ever consider designing your own clothes, or becoming a fashion designer? (via Chatal L'Oreal Carter)
I love fashion and have so many friends in that field that are so talented -- Donatella Versace, Haider Ackermann, Alber Elbaz at Lanvin and Todd Lynn. I have always loved creating my costumes on tour. It would be fun to work on a line of clothing.
What advice would you give the Janet Jackson of the past? What would you do differently? (via @traymon45)
Fasten your seat belt, it's going to be a bumpy ride.