We love a good comeback, especially when it involves a bona fide ’80s icon and member of music’s most famous family (sorry, Hanson brothers). After a long stint away from the spotlight – living here in Dubai, don’t cha know – our Woman Of The Week Janet Jackson is back in Control with a hot new single and an imminent world tour…
It’s been over five years since Janet Jackson last graced the charts, but after a long spell enjoying married life in Dubai with her husband, Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana, the superstar is ready to reclaim her place in the spotlight as she unveils a brand new single and a global tour, aptly titled Unbreakable.
The former child star’s career and personal life have been marked by dizzying highs and crushing lows from being negatively compared to fellow artists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, to winning six Grammy awards and becoming one of the best-selling female artists in contemporary music history. She has gone from being ranked among the top 10 richest women in the entertainment industry, to struggling with depression and grieving the loss of her brother, Michael, under the intense gaze of the world’s media in 2009.
Those who suspected Jackson’s long absence from the public eye was indication of her retirement from the industry were proved wrong this week, when the star posted a link to her new single on Instagram this week with the caption: “I dedicate this to My Love”. No Sleeep (there really are three ‘e’s, we double checked), is a mellow ballad featuring Janet’s trademark smooth vocals. Since the big reveal she’s also been using her account to introduce fans to the dancers set to join her on her tour, which kicks off in Vancouver, Canada, in August.
The singer, dancer, actress, philanthropist and now businesswoman has also launched her own record label, Rhythm Nation, as she prepares to stage her big comeback. The Unbreakable tour will be accompanied by a new album – Janet’s first in seven years – due out later this year. We’ll be watching with interest. Welcome back Janet…
Listen to No Sleeep here: