I will have HQ scans posted next week.



May 24, 2006

Pop superstar JANET JACKSON just turned 40 and has an all-new album dropping this September called 20 Years Old -- and ET's KEVIN FRAZIER was on the set of the cover shoot, proving that 40 is definitely the new 20!

"I worked really hard, and I continue to work very hard," says Janet about her lean new look. "I have to give credit to my parents' genes I suppose, and just working with great people [that] make me look good, and nutrition and a great trainer."

Just six months ago, the svelte Janet was seen in published photos looking like she had packed on a few extra pounds, but the star explains that she gained weight specifically for a movie role.

"I put on the pounds for a film I was to do with LEE DANIELS, the producer of 'Monster's Ball,' which a lot of people didn't know," Janet tells Kevin. "They wanted a full-figured woman. She's from the South, a waitress."

Janet says they had to push the project back, and she had to pass on the opportunity in order to work on her new album. She now thinks that MARIAH CAREY will take on the role. Of course, she had another assignment to take care of -- losing the weight!

"I had to turn around and take it off, which was a task -- I started my regimen in January; it took a 'little minute,'" she laughs. "I've still got work to do. I have to build my endurance and muscle for the tour. That's the next phase of this whole thing."

This "whole thing" starts off with the June 19 release of "Call On Me," the first single off the CD -- with a little help from Janet's friend NELLY. The album is co-produced by Janet's fiancé, JERMAINE DUPRI.

"I love this album, and I hate to say, 'expect an album that you'll love' -- which I just said, but I love this, so hopefully everyone else will enjoy it," says Janet, "and it's different, it's a little reminiscent, yet it's new and fresh."
[Edited 5/24/06 9:14am]

I'm glad she put an end to the speculation about her weight.

Romera said:

For now...people love to put somebody down for their weight.

RipHer2Shreds said:

You've met me. You know I know.

How ya doin, Dan?

but wait..how is mariah gonna do the role after her lipo'd new bod?

Romera said:

I'm well, Beautiful! How are you?

VoicesCarry said:

And I eat too much these days because I feel like I could now try for a change the more "full" look in order to come off more like a 30-year-old.

She looks amazing on that cover

VoicesCarry said:

*jaw drops*

VoicesCarry said:

Totally! When did she turn into Paula "Thorazine" Abdul?

Sorry, I can't help it. But each time I see her I can't think of her as anything else than "Michael with tits".

I'm praying that Nelly is just on a remix, or something. I can just hear another 'My Baby' fiasco. Let's face it, he's no Q-Tip.

At least she can appeal to radio and get herself back in the charts. Just hope she'll do it with something fresh, and not some stale Mariah-esque cut.

great..she's got a nice bod again but does she have to wear a bikini for the cover of Us?

its not Maxim.

Novabreaker said:

Oh c'mon.

sosgemini said:

hahah that was my thought! Wear a bikini for another magazine!

CinisterCee said:

maybe one that's on sale for more than a week too!

hell yeah!
the bitch is back...in more ways than one

I admit I was a little afraid of what the whole picture would reveal. She did the reverse--kept the top clothed and barely any bottom.That bikini is tiny but she looks great.

Now please let the music be as bangin' as the bod.
[Edited 5/24/06 11:29am]

Totally.

i forget what janet looks like in clothes.

sallysassalot said:

I haven't. How many threads were there showing Janet in her big baggy sweats a few months ago?

sextonseven said:

i'm sorry. clarification:

i forget what janet looks like with clothes on in a publicity shot.

go janet...

FIANCE?????

Ma is looking reeeaaaaal good

Novabreaker said:

Same goes for Rebbie and Latoya?

sosgemini said:

Sex sells.

She does look amazing, but there must have been some airbrushing involved....
How can someone go from being really overweight to that in just some months??
[Edited 5/24/06 14:43pm]

VenusBlingBling said:

I doubt there was much airbrushing, if any. Janet's weight has always fluctuated, and when she has most of her time to devote to working out, not to mention the personal trainers, nutritionists, and chefs she has working for her, it's not surprising that she can get back in to shape before promoting an album. Image is a big part of her job as an entertainer.

Besides, every five years it's the same thing, like "Wow! How did she lose that weight!".

Nice body but i dont like that picture, think its the hair.

theVelvetRoper said:

george clooney and christian bale both did it during that timeperiod....and nobody batted (no pun intended) an eye...

is it because janet is a woman?