Photo Credit:Getty Images
Janet Jackson has been a global star for decades, but after she declined to be portrayed in the biopic Michael, what is she doing in 2026?
Janet Jackson is no stranger to the limelight, having enjoyed a hugely successful career for decades, which has seen her dubbed as "_one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era."_
While her family returns to the spotlight with the release of the new biopic Michael, Janet "_politely declined' to be portrayed in the film._ _"I wish everybody was in the movie," Janet's sister LaToya Jackson told Variety at the film's Hollywood premiere on Monday. "She was asked, and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes."_
But just because Janet wasn't involved in the movie doesn't mean she hasn't been keeping busy.
The "_Rhythm Nation" _singer is preparing to perform in Japan in June, announcing in February that she will play four shows as part of her 'Japan 2026' tour.
Janet will play Glion Arena Kobe on June 9, K-Arena Yokohama on June 13 and 14, and the IG Arena Nagoya on June 17.
In March, it was announced that Janet had signed a long-term global publishing agreement with global artist development company Believe Music Publishing, bringing her entire catalogue to the group's recently launched global publishing division.
"_Janet Jackson is one of the most influential and important songwriters in music, with a unique creative vision," said Believe's VP of Publishing Peter McCamley. "We're thrilled to welcome her to the Believe Music Publishing family, and we are very much looking forward to working with her in the future."_
Janet also had a busy 2025 with her Janet Jackson: Las Vegas residency at Resorts World Theatre, which consisted of 22 shows and opened on December 30, 2024, and closed on September 20, 2025.
She also received the ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards last May, although she admitted in her acceptance speech that she doesn't see
herself as an "_icon."_
"_I am so so honored. I am so grateful," she began. "I mean, no disrespect in any way, but I don't consider myself an icon. My family, myself, our dream wasn't ever to be famous. We weren't raised like that."_
_She continued_: "_We always had a special love for music, dancing, singing, and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication. My story, my family's story, is truly an American story. This would have only happened in America."_
The superstar singer is notoriously private about her son; however, she does occasionally share snippets of life at home as a single working mother.
Janet Jackson is no stranger to the limelight, having enjoyed a hugely successful career for decades, which has seen her dubbed as "_one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era."_
While her family returns to the spotlight with the release of the new biopic Michael, Janet "_politely declined' to be portrayed in the film._ _"I wish everybody was in the movie," Janet's sister LaToya Jackson told Variety at the film's Hollywood premiere on Monday. "She was asked, and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes."_
But just because Janet wasn't involved in the movie doesn't mean she hasn't been keeping busy.
The "_Rhythm Nation" _singer is preparing to perform in Japan in June, announcing in February that she will play four shows as part of her 'Japan 2026' tour.
Janet will play Glion Arena Kobe on June 9, K-Arena Yokohama on June 13 and 14, and the IG Arena Nagoya on June 17.
In March, it was announced that Janet had signed a long-term global publishing agreement with global artist development company Believe Music Publishing, bringing her entire catalogue to the group's recently launched global publishing division.
"_Janet Jackson is one of the most influential and important songwriters in music, with a unique creative vision," said Believe's VP of Publishing Peter McCamley. "We're thrilled to welcome her to the Believe Music Publishing family, and we are very much looking forward to working with her in the future."_
Janet also had a busy 2025 with her Janet Jackson: Las Vegas residency at Resorts World Theatre, which consisted of 22 shows and opened on December 30, 2024, and closed on September 20, 2025.
She also received the ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards last May, although she admitted in her acceptance speech that she doesn't see
herself as an "_icon."_
"_I am so so honored. I am so grateful," she began. "I mean, no disrespect in any way, but I don't consider myself an icon. My family, myself, our dream wasn't ever to be famous. We weren't raised like that."_
_She continued_: "_We always had a special love for music, dancing, singing, and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication. My story, my family's story, is truly an American story. This would have only happened in America."_
The superstar singer is notoriously private about her son; however, she does occasionally share snippets of life at home as a single working mother.