The iconic #JanetJackson put the cherry on top of this year’s #EssenceFestival last night as she performed a few of our favorite hits from over the years. During her set, Janet broke down in tears as she reflected about her father Joseph Jackson who passed away on June 27th.
As she prepared to sing her song “Together Again,” she shared a touching tribute in which she revealed that she thought about canceling her performance and tour. “To be quite honest it was really hard for me. It’s always difficult when you lose a loved one,” Janet began. “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to move forward, if I should cancel this festival or the entire tour.”
Janet continued, “I talked to my brother and we started to speak about my father’s strength. He was very strong. Without his drive, his strength, we wouldn’t have this success. We’re a black family that came from Gary, Indiana, and we broke all kinds of records all over the globe. That’s truth.”
Through tears, Janet began to delight in her father’s strength and said that if he were still here, he would want her to continue performing. “My father was a great man. My brother asked me, ‘If he was here listening to this conversation, what do you think he would say to you?’ And I think my father would have said, ‘Janet, please. Finish what you’ve started. And I will be there with you every step of the way in your heart.’ So here I am.”
Janet went on to KILL her performance! Check out a few clips below!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on IG
