When Michael Jackson died suddenly in 2009 the world plummeted into a state of shock.
And while his fans remember him through his endless catalogue of music, for one lady the child in Michael will always live on.
"I can remember doing our chores as kids," said his sister Janet. "We would be cleaning the kitchen and while we were all working we would be writing songs. I miss his laughter."
Many people remember their idol through his brothers and sisters including Janet. "Music has always been a part of our lives," she added. "I love Mike very much."
The emotional tribute, exclusive to tabloid!, comes just days before Janet's debut performance in the UAE.
Currently on her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour, she has dedicated her most successful song ever to the city and people of Abu Dhabi ahead of the gig on Thursday at Yas Arena.
Janet awarded That's The Way Love Goes to the capital of the UAE.
"Hey Abu Dhabi, I'm gonna take you places you've never been before," she said earlier through a release. "That is why I'm dedicating That's The Way Love Goes to all my fans in your beautiful city. See you soon."
The tour differs from previous concert schedules due to the fact the 45-year-old performs music exclusively from her chart-topping Number Ones which boasts 35 No 1 hits.
Janet herself promised no two shows on the schedule would be the same, saying of the tour "more revealed, more intimate, and more personal than ever before".
But while the pop sensation was more than happy to chat about the tour, touching on the subject of Erotic Queen of Pop — a title she's picked up over the years — was not met with a smile. Asked whether it was a title she had actively pursued at anytime she simply replied "no".
Excerpts from the interview.
This tour has been your biggest to date. How does it feel to have remained on top for so long?
I really love this tour and am very grateful to all the fans for their support over the years.
We read no two shows have been the same so far. How much creative/musical input do you have in any one show?
I am always looking to grow as an artist. When creating this tour, I wanted to tell a specific story in each section of the show. I am having fun looking at these songs and seeing what I can do with them and let them inspire me. I am a very creative person, so I love to experiment. I have been making changes throughout the tour. I have changed some of the costumes, added songs and videos to the line up. I love to create so it has been a lot of fun.
Which is the acting role you have taken the most from on a personal level and why?
I think you grow whenever you get to play a character that you have not done in the past. That happened for me with For Colored Girls.
Do you have a Twitter/Facebook profile? Is the social network scene something which fascinates or bores you?
They are a lot of fun. I have both a Twitter and Facebook profile.
What was it like being the youngest of the Jacksons? Did it ever mean you got away with things the others didn't?
(Laughs) I think I am going to keep that one to myself…
You do many "meet and greets" and have allowed fans to have input on this tour. How important are your fans to you and why?
I am so fortunate that my fans, no matter where they are, are so loyal. They give me so much love and I am excited to return mine to them. I know that there are many fans that I get to see in many cities throughout the tour. It is great.
Do you consider yourself a lucky lady? What is the best part about being Janet Jackson?
Yes, I am very lucky. I would say the best part is all of the amazing people that I get to meet. I have made some amazing friends along the way.
Your name is constantly mentioned when other artists — Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Britney to name a few — are asked who inspires them. Who truly inspires you?
There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.
Don't miss it
Janet Jackson will perform at Yas Arena, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday. Tickets, priced Dh265, Dh365 and Dh665, are available at thinkflash.ae.
