Janet Jackson has recalled the time when she had a serious wardrobe malfunction in front of Queen Elizabeth II.
The singer brought up the anecdote during a new interview with Vogue, as part of the publication’s Life In Looks series. In the series, famous performers and celebrities recall the stories behind some of their most iconic looks over the years.
As part of the latest instalment, Janet Jackson took part and revisited some of her most memorable outfits throughout her extensive career. One of which was a black military-style ensemble she wore as she went to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.
During the interview, Jackson explained how the design was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451. She also explained how she wore a similar look as she went to perform for Queen Elizabeth II back in the early ‘90s.
“Funny story about this outfit: I was performing for the Queen of England, and we were doing ‘Rhythm Nation’,” she began, referring to a performance of the title track from her 1989 album. “Sure enough, as soon as I squatted, my pants split right in my booty crack.”
“I couldn’t believe it happened. I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ And then I started feeling air back there, so I knew it had really happened,” she continued, going on to recall how she had to amend the choreography on the spot to avoid flashing the monarch.
“I never turned my back on her, which some of the choreography was supposed to. I just faced forward… Can you imagine if I would’ve flashed her for just like a hot second?”
Check out the full video as part of the Life In Looks series above.
Queen Elizabeth III died in 2022 at the age of 96. She was succeeded by her son, Charles III.
The performance in front of the queen wasn’t the only time that Jackson infamously had a wardrobe mishap. Back at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in 2004, the singer made countless headlines when Justin Timberlake exposed her breast during their routine.
In other Janet Jackson news, last month the singer announced details of a Las Vegas residency, set to be held at Resorts World later this year.
The residency will begin on December 30, and she’ll play on New Year’s Eve too. The shows will then continue on January 3 and 4 of 2025, followed by a month-long pause and resuming on February 5 through to 15. Visit here for any remaining tickets.
“We’re so excited to announce our new residency at Resorts World Las Vegas launching New Year’s week,” Jackson said in an Instagram post announcing the news. “This is going to be a lot of fun and I look forward to spending the start of the New Year with you!! We truly can’t wait!”
Before then, Jackson will be heading to the UK and Europe as part of her upcoming 2024 tour.
The music legend is bringing her ‘Together Again’ tour to 10 cities later this month, kicking off in Paris at the Accor Arena on September 25. From there, she’ll continue on to stops in Birmingham, London, Glasgow and Manchester, before heading back to mainland Europe and concluding at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on October 10.
A second London date was later added, taking place on September 29 – the day after the original London show. Find any remaining tickets to these tour dates here.
The UK and European leg of her ‘Together Again’ tour will mark her first UK performance since Glastonbury 2019. The shows will follow the US trek, where Nelly opened as support across June and July. It’ll also offer fans the chance to watch Jackson celebrate her 50th anniversary in entertainment while spotlighting 35 years of her 1989 album ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’.