Janet Jackson: See Then & Now Photos Of Iconic Pop Star Through The Years

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May 16, 2023 8:08AM EDT

Janet Jackson is a true icon. Celebrate her birthday with a look at photos from her early days to now.

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Janet Jackson: See Then & Now Photos Of Iconic Pop Star

Janet Jackson: See Then & Now Photos Of Iconic Pop Star — Hello, Miss Jackson! Born into an entertainment family, Janet Jackson was destined for the stage, but it was her own talent and charisma that launched her into superstardom. Janet, born May 16, 1966, was just a little girl when she started appearing on the family variety show ‘The Jacksons’ in 1976. Known for her funky, rhythm-driven style of pop, her music career took off in the 80s and by the early 90s Janet was one of the highest-paid artists in the industry.

In 2004, Janet became the center of controversy after a wardrobe stunt during her performance with Justin Timberlake. She would be unfairly shunned by the music industry for over a decade, but got to tell her own story in the documentary ‘Janet’ for Lifetime and A&E..

Janet’s been in the spotlight so long. Here, she looks fresh-faced while attending a Hard Rock Jr. Party in LA on Nov. 1, 1985.

Ready to see Janet Jackson’s evolution over the years? Click through the gallery to see her from her early career until now.

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Young Janet Jackson

Young Janet Jackson — So sweet! A baby-faced Janet Jackson poses in a chic black and white portriat.

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Janet Jackson At The Diamond Pop Awards

Janet Jackson At The Diamond Pop Awards — Rhythm nation! Janet Jackson puts on a show during the Diamond Pop Awards in Antwerp, Belgium in 1989.

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Janet Jackson Gets Her Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Janet Jackson Gets Her Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame — Star power! Janet Jackson beams as she receives her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.

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Janet Jackson In 1993

Janet Jackson In 1993 — Janet Jackson stuns in a shot from 1993. True beauty.

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Janet Jackson At Hugo Boss

Janet Jackson At Hugo Boss — Fashionista! Janet Jackson is so stylish as she sits front row at Hugo Boss’s 1994 fashion show in New York.

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Janet Jackson At The AMAs

Janet Jackson At The AMAs — Winning look! Janet Jackson holds up her trophy at the 2001 American Music Awards on Aug. 1, 2001.

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Janet Jackson On Tour

Janet Jackson On Tour — Show-stopper! Janet Jackson puts on an electric show while she performs at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., for the fourth stop of her, “All For You” World Tour in 2001.

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Janet Jackson On GMA

Janet Jackson On GMA — Dancing queen! Janet Jackson on Good Morning America on Mar. 31, 2004.

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Janet Jackson At Vanity Fair’s 2005 Oscar Party

Janet Jackson At Vanity Fair’s 2005 Oscar Party — Gorgeous! Janet Jackson is radiant in white during Vanity Fair’s 2005 Academy Awards soiree on Feb. 21, 2005.

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Janet Jackson At The Premiere Of ‘Why Did I Get Married?’

Janet Jackson At The Premiere Of ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ — Action! Janet Jackson is the center of attention during the red carpet premiere of ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ on Oct. 4, 2007.

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Janet Jackson At The 2009 BET Awards

Janet Jackson At The 2009 BET Awards — Lots of love. Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support at the 2009 BET Awards, following the death of her brother Michael Jackson.

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Janet Jackson In 2011

Janet Jackson In 2011 — Janet Jackson slips into a shiny, gunmetal grey jumpsuit for a concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Mar. 18, 2011. Electric!

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Janet Jackson In 2012

Janet Jackson In 2012 — Wow! Janet Jackson looks like a goddess at amfAR’s Cinema Against Aids Gala during the 65th Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2012.

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Janet Jackson In 2013

Janet Jackson In 2013 — Janet Jackson proves white is her color as she graces the red carpet of amfAR’s Cinema Against Aids gala. The event happened during the 66th Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2013.

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Janet Jackson Accepts The Ultimate Icon Award At The 2015 BET Awards

Janet Jackson Accepts The Ultimate Icon Award At The 2015 BET Awards — Iconic. Janet Jackson accepts the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award at the 2015 BET Awards.

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Janet Jackson In Dubai

Janet Jackson In Dubai — Janet Jackson brings down the house during the Dubai World Cup 2016. The horse racing event took place at the Meydan Race Course in Gulf Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 26, 2016.

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Janet Jackson At The ‘State of the World’ After Party

Janet Jackson At The ‘State of the World’ After Party — Beautiful! Janet Jackson smiles as she arrives for the after-party for the ‘State of the World’ tour on Oct. 8, 2017.

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Janet Jackson At Her Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Janet Jackson At Her Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony — True honor. Janet Jackson is glowing as she arrives at the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where she was one of the inductees. The event took place at New York’s Barclay’s Center in March of 2019.

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Janet Jackson At The Great Gatsby Gala

Janet Jackson At The Great Gatsby Gala — Janet Jackson bundles up for the Great Gatsby Gala in London on Jan. 30, 2020. The event as in honor of premature birth research at Imperial College London.

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Janet Jackson Celebrates The Kentucky Derby

Janet Jackson Celebrates The Kentucky Derby — Janet Jackson was glowing as she made a rare appearance during the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Gala in Louisville, Tennessee on May 6, 2022. She was chic in a boxy black blazer.

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Fashion Christian Siriano, New York, United States – 08 Sep 2022

Fashion Christian Siriano, New York, United States – 08 Sep 2022 — Janet Jackson, second from right, takes a seat during designer Christian Siriano’s show at Fashion Week on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 202,2 in New York
Fashion Christian Siriano, New York, United States – 08 Sep 2022

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