List of artists influenced by Janet Jackson


is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She began her career as a child star in several sitcoms during the late seventies, before transitioning into popular music with her self-titled debut album and breakthrough, Control. In addition to being declared a global "pop culture phenomenon," Jackson is considered an iconic figure in the fields of pop music, entertainment, fashion, along with dance and choreography. Her collective body of work has been cited to create templates for numerous artists who have emerged following her.
By 2008, Jackson had been the most-searched person in internet history, and upon the debut of her tenth studio album, ranked as the ninth biggest-selling pop artist and second most-successful female artist within contemporary pop. The influence of her musical themes, image, music videos, choreography, films, and media controversies have bestowed her with various titles by critics, which include the "Queen of Pop", "Empress Of Pop", "Queen Of Sex", "Queen Of Entertainment", "Queen Of Music", "Bonafide Sex Queen", in addition to "Erotic Queen of Pop" and "Queen of Dance." Observing her "broad-based, widespread appeal," Mark Seliger considered Jackson "the most recognized" female pop artist of "the 80s, 90s, and today," while Tris McCall appointed her "the direct forerunner" within modern pop. Leah Simpson also declared her "a legendary singer and actress," who would "always be a prominent figure in the industry."

Influence and commentary

Jackson is among the most influential artists in popular music. Universal Music stated, "Her musical style, choreography, lyrical exploration, and self awareness has made her one of the top artists of our time as well as a leading influence on the upcoming stars of tomorrow." Of her own influences, she said, "There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others." Citing her image, performing attributes, and musical traits; Ernest Hardy declared her "the unheralded mother-architect, for better or worse, of the current pop world... While it's a conditioned reflex for mainstream critics to heap praise upon Madonna as the mold from which MTV's pop brigade is stamped, the truth is a bit more complicated." Judy Faber of CBS News observed her influence, ranging from "her acrobatic dance moves to her birdlike singing voice," to be emulated by various artists.
Upon the release of Discipline, Paul Lester commended her as "the ninth biggest-selling pop act of all time, the second most successful female artist ever and the most searched-for person in internet history." MTV News commented, "Janet Jackson's superstar resolve is made of pure steel.. If we could've made Janet Jackson the MTV Artist of the Century, we would have." Marcello Carlin of Stylus credited her sonic innovation and musical themes to create templates for "nearly all worthwhile 21st century pop." Simon Reynolds also declared her to have "drafted a new blueprint for dance pop" with her early recordings, via the usage of drum machines and synthesized basselines. Additionally, Robert Hilburn observed artists to incorporate the "Janet Jackson school of youthful Top 40 attitude" as a model for their artistry. Out Magazine stated:

Musical influence

called Jackson "the direct forerunner of most current female pop stars," adding, "The techno-soul hybrid she pioneered in the '80s is now the sound of the commercial airwaves. Rihanna, Britney Spears... they've all followed in Jackson's stiletto-heeled footsteps." While having "changed the course of females in pop music," Taylor Ferber of VH1 stated, "Janet was a trailblazer, fusing pop , raising the bar for music video choreography, speaking out about social injustice and breaking racial and sexual taboos. The trends she started in fashion and music can still be seen in the work of today's female stars."
Kelly Crane stated, " name is constantly mentioned when other artists — Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears to name a few – are asked who inspires them." The Khaleej Times observed Jackson to establish a template for Rihanna, while NME noted the emergence of "pneumatic mini-Janets" such as Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez. Rashod Ollison recognized various artists and boy bands to "owe a huge debt to Jackson for the dance and musical templates she set," heralding her influence on "today's pop vixens for whom she set the template." Jon Pareles cited her to "shape Britney Spears, Beyoncé, the Pussycat Dolls and much other current pop".
Through her "versatility and mastery of a bewildering array of styles," Virgin Records observed her to influence an eclectic range of artists. According to The Guardian, Jackson has become "the paradigmatic cyber-diva of modern machine soul, a key influence on her successors, from Whitney to Mariah, Britney to Beyoncé." Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine, and Bruno Mars consider her a notable influence, in addition to European artists Cheryl Cole and Robyn, and Asian artists including Lee Hyori, BoA, and Girls' Generation. Jackson is among the most prominent fixtures in remix culture; receiving uncommissioned remixes by electronic artists such as Disclosure and Skrillex. In indie rock, she has inspired albums by The Black Keys and Sleigh Bells. Her vocal attributes have inspired Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon, Jamie Liddell, and Class Actress, while the vocal styles of Ariana Grande, FKA Twigs, and Gwen Stefani have been compared with her vocal techniques.

Performing and fashion

Through her performances and choreography, Jackson has pioneered a variety of methods used by ensuing artists. Veronica Chambers declared her to redefine the music video, citing numerous artists to use similar sets and dance routines. Her concert tours have been regarded to create new standards for showmanship, via the usage of pyrotechnics, elaborate staging, and intricate choreography. Of her influence on Shakira and Beyoncé, Denene Millner commended her to "single-handedly change the way a generation of female performers hit the stage," adding, "Before Jackson, little was expected of girl singers except that they coo about love and heartbreak and look pretty in their dresses." Fabien Brathwaite added, "Before Janet, women weren't dancing this hard or this fierce or this sexy." Her abstract and inventive choreography has been considered a "measuring stick" for modern dance. Universal Music observed synchronized dance routines to become "synonymous with Janet," while Telemundo noted artists such as LMFAO to perform "Janet Jackson-style" formations. Jackson brought the headset microphone to prominence; often referred to as the "Janet Jackson microphone," and developed explicit performance themes; such as seducing a fan on stage. Additionally, she was one of two artists to first use LCDs; becoming a standard in modern technology.
has been compared with Jackson's.
Jackson has secured a position as a prominent fashion icon, with Phil Marder declaring her fashion statements to "often become the norm for teenage girls around the globe." Her iconic ensembles include her Control-era attire, "Rhythm Nation" outfit, Velvet Rope period of crimson hair and piercings, and standard of midriff-baring wardrobe. Upon her image transition, she has pioneered the "teen pop evolution"; taking authority of her career and progressing from a child star into a sultrier, adult image. Emily Feimster stated:
In comparing Miley Cyrus' image transition to Jackson's, Priya Elan stated, "Miley, like Janet, was the beloved child star who played tic-tac-toe with America as Hannah Montana," observing her risqué performances to eradicate her former persona in a similar vein. As a sex symbol, Jackson became known for her toned abdominal muscles and midriff-baring style, thought to become "standard operating procedure" within contemporary pop. VH1 observed her image to be emulated by "just about every pop star," while The Harvard Crimson recalled, "Janet Jackson's sexy stomach captured the imagination of all races."

Influenced by Jackson

Various critics have bestowed Jackson as the "Queen of Pop," while others observed an ongoing debate for the title, with Fabien Brathwaite calling her "the other Queen of Pop." Of her cultural appeal, VH1 stated, "Miss Jackson became a larger than life icon who transcends the world of music – she is a pop culture phenomenon." Ken Berry titled her the "embodiment of a global superstar," citing her appeal to "transcend geographic, cultural, and generational boundaries." MTV News added, "drop the name "Janet" anywhere in the world where there's access to an FM radio, and they'll know who you're talking about."
Several analysts consider her to rival the success of her contemporaries, while others observed her to become a greater influence. In declaring her "one of the biggest and, in many ways, boldest female pop stars in the world," Neil McCormick of The Telegraph asserted Jackson as "the only serious rival to Madonna," while Entertainment Weekly placed them in an equal class of longevity. Dutch publication Trouw cited both women as the most prominent female artists of their generation. In profiling artists such as Justin Timberlake, author Sean Smith considered her to exceed the influence of Michael Jackson within modern pop. Of the BBC UK documentary Janet Jackson – Taking Control, Howard Male concluded, "Janet's unprecedented crossover success changed the music industry just as much as Michael's did."
Artists who have been appointed the potential "next Janet Jackson" or successor include Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Cheryl Cole, Fergie, and Rihanna. Various critics have titled international artists in comparison, which include Samantha Fox as the "British Janet Jackson", Daniela Mercury as the "Brazilian Janet Jackson", BoA as the "Korean Janet Jackson", Maya Vik as the "Norwegian Janet Jackson", Alison Hinds as the "West Indian answer to Janet", Lady Saw as the "Janet Jackson of Jamaica", Vina Morales as the Philippines' "answer to Janet Jackson", and Namie Amuro, Gina Hiraizumi, and Crystal Kay as the "Japanese Janet Jackson." Artists who have titled themselves in reference to Jackson include Adam Levine, Fischerspooner, Havana Brown, Kat Graham, and Kanary Diamonds.
became inspired to pursue music when hearing a remix of Jackson's "Control."
has been considered the "Korean Janet Jackson".
vocalist Yukimi Nagano cites Jackson as her vocal inspiration.
Notable artists who have been influenced or commented on Jackson include:
Nabuma Rubberband. Vocalist Yukimi Nagano also stated, "I sing in this really soft, airy, breathy way – that's probably as a result of listening to Janet Jackson."