“When I was younger I was in a dance group. We were called the Smooth Dancers, and we were straight up Janet Jackson. We did 'Rhythm Nation,' we did 'Escapade,' we did it all. We would win up everything at the competitions because we learned it all from Ms. Janet,” recalled Beyoncé during an MTV tribute to Janet. Bey later recreated Janet’s iconic 'Rhythm Nation' costume for Halloween along with her little Michael, daughter Blue Ivy.Photo: Instagram
Not only did Pink flex her athletic prowess during a 2001 dance tribute to Janet, perfecting choreography from the videos for "Miss You Much" and "Rhythm Nation," but she also went on to name the singer as one of the artists she respects most. As Billboard’s 2014 Woman of the Year, she said, “You can't compare anybody to the Tina Turners and the Chers and the Sades and the Janet Jacksons. They’re lifelong legendary touring artists.” Photo: © Getty Images
Britney Spears has long credited Janet Jackson as a major influence, saying, “She has this presence. You're just so drawn to her; you can't keep your eyes off of her.” The princess of pop has paid homage to Janet through music and dance, drawing from the "Miss You Much" music video for a choreography sequence in "Stronger," and again on her most recent album, Britney Jean. “I wanted to recreate some of Janet’s greatest moments. 'Escapade' and that whole era, that’s what I wanted to do,” Britney told Ryan Seacrest at iHeartRadio.Photo: Universal Music
In 2009, Lady Gaga called Janet, “an unbelievable legend and such a talent; somebody that I really, really look up to.” And, having cited "Rhythm Nation" as one of her favourite music videos, has referenced it in works that include the video for 2010’s "Alejandro." Janet has also returned the love, telling MTV, “I really love Gaga. She truly is a sweetheart.”Photo: © Getty Images
Janet also counts Grammy-winner Christina Aguilera among her legion of fans. The "Beautiful" singer has referenced Janet as an inspiration in numerous interviews. “I remember watching MTV as a little girl. To me, Janet had it all; amazing videos, hot songs and the sexiest voice," Christina has said.Photo: © Getty Images
“She was one of the first female pop stars I could relate to,” explained Rihanna in 2010. The singer has taken inspiration from Janet throughout her career—most notably on racier tracks like "S&M" and "Skin." “She still has power. I’ve seen her on stage, and she can stand there for 20 minutes and have the whole arena scream at her. You have to love Janet.”Photo: © Getty Images
Before she became J.Lo, Jennifer Lopez honed her skills as a backup dancer for Janet, even appearing in the video for 1993’s smash hit "That’s The Way Love Goes." “When I saw "Pleasure Principle" it inspired me to get into this business,” says Jennifer. "I can never forget the magnificent Janet Jackson as she is a big inspiration for all my dance and music videos," she later told the Times of India. Photo: © Getty Images