Janet Jackson's Sound Engineer Reveals What She's Really Like Behind the Scenes — and Compares Her to an 'Alien' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Janet Jackson performs in Las Vegas.Photo:Solaiman Fazel

Solaiman Fazel

More than half a century since she first stepped on stage, not only isJanet Jacksonstill delivering top-tier performances, but she’s also lovely behind the scenes.The 58-year-old superstar is currently in the midst ofher latest Las Vegas residencyat the Resorts World Theatre, and she brought sound engineerCaram Costanzoback from last year’s Together Again Tour to work on the new show — which boasts a unique sonic experience.With sound company L-Acoustics' immersive L-ISA technology powering the 5,000-capacity venue’s 242 speakers, concertgoers can hear every single element of Jackson’s music clear as day, and Costanzo gets to create a sense of “overwhelming drama” with her 43-song setlist of hits.Janet Jackson performs in Las Vegas.Solaiman Fazel"I can place each instrument exactly where it can be in the field to create that clarity, which you cannot do with just a stereo mix," the engineer tells PEOPLE. “So, the mix is always breathing because Janet is always amazing — and the band. It’s amazing to work with people like that because they’re always spot-on.“Costanzo, who’s worked with other major acts fromKeith UrbantoKylie Minogue, says the L-ISA technology allows him to nearly mimic “a studio environment within a live sound event” at Jackson’s residency.It helps that he gets to collaborate with “some of the best musicians that I’ve ever worked with,” including the “Rhythm Nation” performer. “She’s like an alien because she’s justsoamazing. She’s such a phenom,” he says.Janet Jackson performs in Las Vegas.Solaiman Fazel"She’s probably the most talented person I’ve ever [worked with], to be honest. She’s this incredible artist, and she’s also one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. She’s super sweet, super kind, and she treats everybody amazing,” adds Costanzo.Behind the scenes, Jackson is “very approachable” and “very sweet,” details the sound engineer: “That makes our environment here unlike any other environment that I’ve ever worked in, because she’s so easy to work with — and she wants the best, and we all try to give her the best we can.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Janet Jackson performs in Las Vegas.Solaiman FazelJackson’s Resorts World residency launched at the end of December and continues through May. 31. The high-energy show sees the Grammy winner perform beloved tracks from her debut 1982 single “Young Love” to much of her breakthroughControlalbum and chart-toppers like “That’s the Way Love Goes” and “Together Again.“Aside from the Resorts World Theatre, L-Acoustics also provides sound for venues around the world including the Hollywood Bowl and the Philharmonie de Paris, festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, the latest three Super Bowl halftime shows and tours for the likes ofCharli xcxandSZA.

More than half a century since she first stepped on stage, not only isJanet Jacksonstill delivering top-tier performances, but she’s also lovely behind the scenes.

The 58-year-old superstar is currently in the midst ofher latest Las Vegas residencyat the Resorts World Theatre, and she brought sound engineerCaram Costanzoback from last year’s Together Again Tour to work on the new show — which boasts a unique sonic experience.

With sound company L-Acoustics' immersive L-ISA technology powering the 5,000-capacity venue’s 242 speakers, concertgoers can hear every single element of Jackson’s music clear as day, and Costanzo gets to create a sense of “overwhelming drama” with her 43-song setlist of hits.

Janet Jackson performs in Las Vegas.Solaiman Fazel

“I can place each instrument exactly where it can be in the field to create that clarity, which you cannot do with just a stereo mix,” the engineer tells PEOPLE. “So, the mix is always breathing because Janet is always amazing — and the band. It’s amazing to work with people like that because they’re always spot-on.”

Costanzo, who’s worked with other major acts fromKeith UrbantoKylie Minogue, says the L-ISA technology allows him to nearly mimic “a studio environment within a live sound event” at Jackson’s residency.

It helps that he gets to collaborate with “some of the best musicians that I’ve ever worked with,” including the “Rhythm Nation” performer. “She’s like an alien because she’s justsoamazing. She’s such a phenom,” he says.

“She’s probably the most talented person I’ve ever [worked with], to be honest. She’s this incredible artist, and she’s also one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. She’s super sweet, super kind, and she treats everybody amazing,” adds Costanzo.

Behind the scenes, Jackson is “very approachable” and “very sweet,” details the sound engineer: “That makes our environment here unlike any other environment that I’ve ever worked in, because she’s so easy to work with — and she wants the best, and we all try to give her the best we can.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Jackson’s Resorts World residency launched at the end of December and continues through May. 31. The high-energy show sees the Grammy winner perform beloved tracks from her debut 1982 single “Young Love” to much of her breakthroughControlalbum and chart-toppers like “That’s the Way Love Goes” and “Together Again.”

Aside from the Resorts World Theatre, L-Acoustics also provides sound for venues around the world including the Hollywood Bowl and the Philharmonie de Paris, festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, the latest three Super Bowl halftime shows and tours for the likes ofCharli xcxandSZA.

source: people.com