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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Janet Jackson injected some youthful energy into her usually grown-up concert Saturday night during her Los Angeles tour.
In a show filled with nostalgic songs, Jackson took a moment to perform her 1993 ballad “again” Performed with LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl. Before the 16-member ensemble performed with the pop icon, the five-time Grammy winner and a The 11-year-old percussionist had a brief conversation.
“Tonight is very special to me because we’re here to support L.A. Phil,” Jackson said in front of the sold-out crowd, who gave the singer a standing ovation. She honored the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA program, which provides free instruments, intensive musical instruction, academic support and leadership training to approximately 1,700 young musicians at five locations.
Last year, YOLA performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the Super Bowl with gospel duo Mary Mary.
Jackson hugged the young percussionist before asking how she heard about the show.
“My mom probably found YOLA on Instagram or social media, and she asked me if I was interested in a music show, and I said ‘sure, I’ll try,'” the percussionist said. After chatting in front of thousands of concertgoers, Jackson told her, “Let’s do something special.”
Indeed.
Many in the audience pulled out their phones as Jackson sang, and the orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins, played “Again” from her fifth studio album, “Janet.” melody. The ballad was also nominated for an Oscar with the 1993 film “Poetic Justice.”
After Jackson’s performance with YOLA, the singer returned to her more mature content with “Any Time, Any Place” before moving on to “I Get Lonely.” During her hour-long show, she performed a number of other hits, including “That’s What Love Is,” “Dirty,” “Control” and “Scream,” which she recorded with her late brother, Impressive, Michael Jackson.
Jackson had several notable names in attendance, including “Fast X” stars Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster and actors Larenz Tate and Lil Real Howery.
Rodriguez and Brewster showed support for their co-star Ludacris, who performed as a guest ahead of Jackson. During the rapper’s 35-minute performance, Tate danced in the aisle as other attendees stood and recited lyrics to his songs “What’s Your Fantasy,” “Area Code” and “Welcome to Atlanta.”
After the show, Ludacris joined the audience in their box seats for brief chats with his “Fast X” crew and Howery, respectively, during the opening stages of Jackson’s show.
All in all, it was an eventful night for Jackson, who ended her concert with “Rhythm Nation,” a 1989 Grammy-winning song that set off a flurry of fireworks at the venue. Her tour began in April and will end June 21 in Seattle.
Jackson’s show kicks off the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts in June and September, featuring performances by the Beach Boys, Gladys Knight, Jill Scott, Maxwell and Quincy Jones’ 90th birthday.
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