I used to like Janet in the late 80s and early 90s. I developed an interest because she's Michael's sister and because he always spoke fondly of her (e.g. in his book Moonwalk), just like I wanted to know more about his other family members. Had she not been Michael's sister, I would have probably ignored her or at least I wouldn't have paid much attention.
Now, did Janet's last name help her career? Yes! Is she talented? She is. Is that enough to be successful? It's not. You need more than talent to have success. You need to be smart about it, surround yourself with the right ppl! You have a super famous brother, look what he does and try it for yourself. There is nothing wrong with asking for help (which I'm sure she did, look at all her copied moves from Michael, he clearly didn't mind and encouraged her). Didn't Madonna want MJ's manager back in the 80s in order to become just as successful? The other Jacksons tried to stand on their own but MJ's brothers just aren't business savvy. They know nothing of marketing, finance and management. In short, they just aren't professional. Look at all the stuff they have come up with, it's an embarrassment!
In most interviews Janet always got asked about her brother Michael, and I don't think it ever hurt her career. At least here in Europe she has always been Michael Jackson's sister, albeit MJ's famous little sister. So she could never quite get rid of Michael's shadow. I was very happy for her success, I even went to one of her concerts from the Janet tour because my oldest cousin is an avid concert goer and has probably seen every famous artist in concert on this planet lol. It was a good show.
The press of course has always tried to downplay Michael's success and talent, and they used Janet against him. They claimed he needed Janet for his comeback album HIStory. Then they claimed Janet had sold more albums than him, that she had a bigger record deal... bla bla... All of these things weren't true. It annoyed me to no end. I wonder how Janet got away with her nosejob, yet Michael never heard the end of it. The media just ate Janet's explanation of "I didn't like it". Having said all that, I don't blame her for the press' constant negativity towards Michael.
Janet has had a successful career. I applaud her for that. She has shown she is talented. She can sing, dance and perform. However, in my opinion, she has thrown Michael under the bus numerous times, hence why I actually don't give a damn about what her career is like now. I have never been a fan, I just used to support her because of Michael. I think MJ fans trash her and her career now because of all the sh*t she has come out with (the constant addict talk, the granny napping, to name a few), and I don't blame them. But I think it's unfair to say her success was insignificant or that she can't sing. She's nowhere near as talented as Michael and she hasn't sold as many records as him. But that isn't the point of this thread. At the end of the day, I don't give a rat's arse about Janet.
