Janet Jackson Kicks Off Newest Las Vegas Residency with 43-Song Setlist — Including Her First-Ever Single!

Mar. 15, 2025

Janet Jackson.Photo:Solaiman Fazel

Solaiman Fazel

Janet Jacksonis taking Las Vegas on another escapade

The pop icon kicked off her eponymously-named residency show at Resorts World in Sin City on Monday, and she wasn’t shy about mixing in some cult classics with her No. 1 hits on theBillboardHot 100 — including her first-ever chart-topper, “When I Think of You.”

For over two hours, Jackson, 58, danced alongside her five backup dancers and covered the gambit of her career, belting out songs from smash albumsControl,Rhythm Nation 1814andAll for You.

Janet Jackson.Solaiman Fazel

“I haven’t done this version of the song since 1998,” she said before delving into “I Get Lonely” fromThe Velvet Rope. “Back then, I had red hair.” Fittingly, the stage was besieged with red lights, and fire became part of the presentation.

There was something for every fan throughout the night.

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The five-time Grammy winner’s performance of “If” from 1993’sJanetalbum included the iconic dance she does at the end of the music video — thrilling fans, who sprung to their feet to celebrate the nostalgic moment.

While the setlist was technically comprised of 43 songs, Jackson didn’t deliver each song in its entirety, choosing instead to perform snippets of tracks in a seamless flow, such as “Scream” transitioning into “Black Cat,” or “What Have You Done for Me Lately” going into “Nasty.”

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Jackson rarely stopped moving throughout the show and even allowed a live feed camera into her dressing room while she briefly got touched up before the encore.

“We’ve been really hard at work rehearsing for the residency, and I can’t wait to see all of you there,” she told fans in a videoshared to Instagrama few days before opening night.

The show is Jackson’s second Vegas residency. Back in 2019, the “Miss You Much” singer performed her Metamorphosis set 18 times at Park MGM, taking in a reported $13 million.

This 10-date residency comes on the heels of Jackson’s 35-city Together Again Tour, which was held at large-capacity arenas and outdoor amphitheaters. Jackson’s Vegas show is vastly different and far more intimate, as the Resorts World Theatre seats 5,000.

source: people.com