Janet Jackson wants Philly’s best ‘20 under 20’

Janet Jackson is mixing it up during her “Number Ones: Up Close and Personal” tour, which comes to the Tower Theater on Monday. She has opted out of the big stadiums, special effects and pyrotechnics, instead going back to her roots to celebrate three decades of pop music-making and not one moment of wardrobe malfunction. 

“Special effects are not what this tour is all about anyway. It is about me and the audience,” Jackson told Metro. “I love performing in more intimate venues because I can look out and see all the faces of everyone in the theater. It has been great and I get so much energy from the fans.”

As a nod to the younger generation, she will recognize young community leaders. “I am looking forward to meeting up to 20 young leaders in Philadelphia,” said Jackson. We haven’t selected them all yet so I hope everyone will nominate the kids that are changing your city in amazing ways.”

Two years after the death of her brother, Jackson says she “still misses [him] every day.” She’ll be performing a virtual duet with Michael during the concert.