Over the weekend, Janet Jackson‘s fan base brought the star to tears after her following made her award-winning LP “Control” top the charts shortly after its 35th anniversary.
In an emotional clip posted to her Twitter account on Saturday, Feb. 13, the 54-year-old, wearing dark shades and a mask, thanked her fans for their overwhelming support. Her 1986 project hit number one on the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album chart. As of late, it is now the 8th most downloaded album on Apple iTunes, TMZ reported.
“I was at home just the other day by myself, and I began to cry,” the songstress explained. “I was crying because I was so thankful for all that God has blessed me with, all that He has given me. I’m so thankful for Him being in my life. And I am so thankful for all of you being in my life. You’re so special to me,” the “Why Did I Get Married” actress continued. She added, “And I want to thank all of you for making “Control” number one once again after 35 years. I never, never in a million years, I would never think that this would happen. I really appreciate you, and I love you so, so much. Thank you.”
“Control” originally topped the Billboard 200 upon release. It broke the record for having the longest continuous run on the Hot 100 with singles from one album with 65 consecutive weeks.
Music fans reciprocated Jackson’s love by leaving heartwarming messages in the comments section. One user wrote, “We are so blessed to have you Janet in ours lives you are so special to all of us we your fans love always. Congratulations on control being number one again after 35 years 🙏👍🖤.”
Jackson’s thank-you clip comes just days after Justin Timberlake issued an apology to both her and his ex-girlfriend, singer Britney Spears. In 2004, during a now-infamous Super Bowl performance, Timberlake pulled back a piece of Jackson’s outfit exposing her breast. The “Rhythm Nation” singer’s career ultimately suffered as a result.
In a lengthy social media post, uploaded to his Instagram account just one day before Jackson’s clip, Timberlake took accountability for his actions and acknowledged that he was treated significantly differently than Jackson following the ordeal. “The industry is flawed,” he wrote. “It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed this way.” He also admitted that he didn’t defend Jackson after she was publicly humiliated.
While Jackson made no mention of the former NSYNC band member in her post, she did open up about her experience during a 2006 interview with Oprah Winfrey, saying she felt like the media put an “emphasis” on her rather than the two of them.
“I have to say just to let people know that Justin has reached out — we haven’t spoken, but he has reached out to speak with me — and, like I said, friendship is very important to me and certain things you just don’t do to friends. In my own time, I’ll give him a call,” she shared.
