Janet Jackson electrified fans on Monday night as she kicked off her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency at Resorts World Theatre. The pop legend, 58, delivered an unforgettable two-hour performance that spanned her illustrious career, blending chart-topping hits with rare deep cuts.
Opening the show with fan favorites like “When I Think of You,” Jackson immediately set the tone for a night of nostalgia and excitement. Her five backup dancers added energy to the stage as she performed songs from albums like Control, Rhythm Nation 1814, and All for You. “We’ve worked really hard for this,” Jackson shared in a pre-show Instagram video. “I can’t wait to see all of you.”
A Night for Die-Hard Janet Jackson Fans
Die-hard fans were thrilled as Jackson revisited lesser-heard tracks during the opening 30 minutes, including “Young Love,” which hadn’t been performed in over a decade. She also delivered a fiery rendition of “I Get Lonely,” complete with vivid red lighting reminiscent of her Velvet Rope era. “I haven’t done this version since 1998,” Jackson reminisced.
While the 43-song setlist didn’t feature full-length performances of every track, Jackson artfully transitioned between songs. Seamless blends like “Scream” into “Black Cat” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately” into “Nasty” kept the momentum alive.
Her iconic choreography was another highlight, especially during “If,” where she recreated the dance from the music video. Fans erupted into cheers, giving Jackson a well-deserved standing ovation.
This residency marks Jackson’s return to Las Vegas following her 2019 Metamorphosis show, which grossed $13 million over 18 performances. The current 10-date run at the 5,000-seat venue offers a more intimate atmosphere compared to her arena-packed Together Again Tour.
Rarely pausing throughout the night, Jackson even gave fans a glimpse backstage via a live feed during a quick touch-up before her encore.