Janet Jackson’s return to Grand Rapids on Wednesday showcased her trademark dance moves, gracious charm and badass power poses, proving the singer is still in command. Review, photo gallery.
Janet Jackson is a woman with a knotty history.
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A survivor of abuse, misogyny, sexual harassment and systemic racism, hers is — ultimately — a story of perseverance and resilience. With millions of records sold and more than four decades in the spotlight, Jackson repeatedly has earned her role as a cultural and musical icon, long ago stepping out from the lengthy shadow cast by her legendary musical family.
Janet — Miss Jackson, if you’re nasty — offered a mostly upbeat, dance-heavy performance Wednesday evening to a not-quite-full Van Andel Arena, where she explored a storied career of chart-topping R&B/pop hits and offered a smattering of newer material. Her Grand Rapids appearance arrived just days after Jackson’s “State of the World” tour sold out Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, perhaps explaining the somewhat sluggish sales for her West Michigan stop.
Those in attendance were treated to a generous helping of Jackson’s biggest hits from the ’80s and ’90s, whether offered up in medley format (“Nasty,” “Miss You Much,” “Control,” “All For You,” “When I Think of You”) or as stand-alone numbers (“Love Will Never Do (Without You),” “That’s the Way Love Goes”). An exuberant “Together Again,” the forever-sexy “If” and set closer “Rhythm Nation” were most effective at energizing the diverse crowd.
AN ATHLETIC, DANCE-FILLED AND COMMANDING PRESENCE
Backed by a DJ, full band, backup vocalists and nine dancers, Jackson individually recognized her supporting crew in an interlude during a four-song encore to the 1-hour-and-40-minute performance.
Athletic and commanding in her trademark military-esque black ensembles, Jackson reinforced Wednesday that her live performance strength lies in provocative dance moves, gracious charm and badass power poses (most of the vocals appeared lip-synched to backing tracks, a common practice for pop artists who spend most of their time on stage dancing).
No one can strike a stance quite like Jackson, and her confidence reminds us of her long career of social consciousness, owning her sexuality and pushing the envelope. In an entertainment industry plagued by stories of men using their positions to abuse others, it’s empowering to watch a female artist with a long history of fighting the tide and finding her own way to forge ahead and claim what is hers.
The 1989 version of me, who memorized all of the lyrics to Jackson’s fourth album “Rhythm Nation 1814” and choreographed embarrassing dance moves to its “Black Cat,” can be proud of my childhood hero. Jackson is in command as ever.
In an industry — and hell, a culture — that readily discards women who pass a certain “sell-by date,” that’s no small thing.
PHOTO GALLERY: Janet Jackson at Van Andel Arena
Photos by Anthony Norkus