Janet Jackson Discusses Living In Michael Jackson’s Shadow In New Documentary

The first two episodes of Janet Jackson‘s documentary entitled ‘JANET’ about her personal life as well as her music career aired simultaneously on Lifetime and A&E. The first half of the documentary revealed details about her never before seen home movie footage, interviews, and her late brother, Michael Jackson.

The tenth and youngest child of the Jackson family, Janet Jackson began her career with the variety television series ‘The Jacksons‘ in 1976 and appeared in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. After signing a recording contract in 1982, she became a pop icon following the release of her third and fourth studio albums named ‘Control’ and ‘Rhythm Nation 1814.

Throughout her music career of fifty years, Janet Jackson managed to become one of the world’s best-selling music artists. In addition to her commercial success, she holds the record for the most consecutive top-ten entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with 18. Jackson is also the only artist in the history of the chart to have seven commercial singles from one album peak within the top five positions.

Although she has endless success as a musician and has been cited as an inspiration among numerous performers, Janet Jackson suffered from having Michael Jackson as her brother due to the endless controversy surrounding his personal life. As a result of Janet’s attitude after the child sex abuse scandal, she also faced criticism due to her moral support to Michael.

Not only his private life but also his influence as an artist was very prominent in Janet’s life and career. While she preferred to remain silent about her own story up until now, Janet Jackson announced a two-part documentary titled ‘JANET’ for A&E and Lifetime on March 4, 2021. The first two episodes of the documentary premiered on January 28, 2022.

The first half of the show details Janet’s breakthrough as a solo musician who is ready to step outside the Jackson family shadow, especially the shadow of her brother Michael Jackson who had immense solo success following the release of his sixth studio album, ‘Thriller‘ on November 30, 1982.

Pop music’s biggest selling star made it difficult for Janet Jackson to promote any music without having to discuss him during interviews. However, Janet kept on seeking independence and her time to shine outside of her family’s and brother’s fame. In the documentary, the musician doesn’t only reflect on the challenges of her music career in the shadow of the King of Pop but also opens up about her upbringing with a family of musicians.

The second half of her documentary will air on January 29 and is going to include more interviews with artists who have been involved with Janet Jackson’s life. Fans will continue seeing exclusive archival footage, home videos, and celebrity interviews all of whom are seen talking about Janet Jackson in the previously released trailer.

You can watch the trailer down below.