Janet has done a new interview with The Star newspaper ahead of her opening night in Manila on February 4th.
The interview was conducted by e-mail.
What’s your Top 3 favorites among your 35 No.1 hits?
“Right now, I’m really enjoying Together Again, Discipline and Control.”
Why did you choose Manila to be the kick-off point of your largest-ever world tour?
“That is funny. Originally, I was going to start my tour in Singapore. I asked the fans to help me pick the cities that I should consider performing in and everything seemed like it was all set. Then we added Manila. I thank everyone who voted and helped me choose. Each of you is so important to me and I am looking forward to performing for you.”
You look forever concert-fit. How do you maintain that kind of body?
“Well, I don’t. LOL. I wrote a book, True You, that will come out on Feb.15th but the fans that go to the concert will be able to pick up a copy. I wrote the book because I have struggled with weight and self esteem. I want kids to have something to read and know that they are beautiful as they are. I write about these issues and how I have dealt with them over the years. It’s not an autobiography, but I talk about points in my life that have played a part in where I am today.
“We have been working for a while now on the choreography of the show. We rehearse all day to make sure that we are creating an exciting experience for all of you. It’s a lot of fun to work with my choreographer and all the dancers. It’s a lot of work and that with a strict meal plan keeps me in shape.”
With your energetic performance on-stage, how do you prevent another wardrobe malfunction during a concert (like what happened during her New York concert)?
“They happen — for me only once — but it does. I create the best show I can. I work with amazing people such as my stylist, Robert Behar, and then we go out and have a good time performing for my fans. If I see something that needs to be altered, we do it.”
Have you worked with Filipino artists? If so, what can you say about them?
“I don’t think of things like race or nationality. My team is very diverse and they are all amazing to work with. We are very much like a family.”
As an artist, how do you keep up with the trends in music?
“I stay in touch with the kids. I love social messaging. I am on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Friendster.
“When writing my book True You, I was reminded of all the negative things we are exposed to. The news is full of images that are troubling and all you seem to hear about these days are people doing bad deeds. It keeps me up at night. I also get to hear about people who are making a difference. I thought it would be fun to show kids who are changing their communities for the better, that they are appreciated. Hopefully, people will be inspired by these kids and decide to do something for others. I know I am always inspired by them. They rock!
“I hope that everyone in Manila will go to my website, janetjackson.com http://janetjackson.com/, and nominate five kids that I should consider. The 20 people chosen and the people who nominated them will be my VIP guests at the show. I am looking forward to seeing these kids at the concert and backstage. Meeting these kids is going to be amazing!”
You are an icon and have been successful as a recording artist and movie actress. Now, you have your own book. What else do you want to do or have not achieved in life?
“There is so much that I still want to do. It would be fun to be on Broadway. There is a whole different discipline to that schedule and I would like to experience it.”
You have been to the Philippines before, what do you remember or what do you like about our country?
“I love all of Asia. The last time I was in the Philippines was for the JANET Tour and I felt a true connection to the people of your magnificent country. I am looking forward to signing from my heart and showing love to my fans in Manila on Feb 4. Can’t wait to see all of you!”
What “surprise” are you going to spring on your Filipino fans during your concert in Manila?
“I am really looking forward to this tour. The last time I was in Manila, I played the Folk Arts Theater. This time we will be at the Philippine International Convention Center. It’s going to be fun because I will be up close with the fans. This is about my fans that have supported me and my work for all these years.”
Any message to your Filipino fans.
“I can’t wait to see all of you. Thank you for helping me pick Manila for my tour. It has been a long time since I was with you. We are going to have a good time. The song I am dedicating to you is Go Deep. I am looking forward to singing for you.”
