Janet's performance thrills after two-year break

NEW ORLEANS (AP):

Janet Jackson enthralled the Essence Music Festival audience Friday, kept them on their feet for more than two hours and reminded fans why seeing her in concert was worth waiting two years.

From the opening notes of The Pleasure Principle to Control to Rhythm Nation, the Grammy Award-winning singer enticed, teased and brought her fans on a journey through her number-one hits.

"She was unbelievable," said Ed Downs of Miami. "It was definitely worth the wait. I'm happy to see her make a comeback. It was impressive."

Jackson marked her return by closing the festival's first night inside the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. It was her first time at the festival, which ran until Sunday.

Former NBA player Anferenee Hardaway called Jackson's performance absolutely perfect, and said no one could tell she had been off the concert circuit for any length of time.

"She definitely gets better with age," he said, smiling.

Fans got a glimpse of Jackson's new, sassy, short-cropped hair and her signature, shapely figure on the finale show of American Idol where she rocked classics like Again and Nasty and her latest release, Nothing, from the soundtrack of the movie, Why Did I Get Married Too?, which she also starred in.

But near the end of her show Friday, they were treated with even more as she depicted a risqué, S&M scene with a male participant from the audience, whose hands and arms were strapped into a straight jacket as Jackson - in a flesh-toned body suit - worked him over, whip in hand.

He mouthed, "Thank you," and couldn't take his eyes off her, getting roars of approval, looks of envy and applause from the crowd.

"I loved it," said Rose Ellerbee of New York. "It was one of the hottest shows I've seen and then she brought back so many memories. She didn't lose a beat."

Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., was as excited as anyone to hear Jackson in person. She said festival organisers had invited Jackson numerous times during the last 15 years and this year she finally accepted.

"Prayer works," Ebanks said laughing.

The festival is celebrating the magazine's 40th anniversary this year and Ebanks said they wanted to do so by putting the spotlight on strong, powerful female artistes.

In addition to Jackson, the line-up included Gladys Knight, Mary J Blige, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Monica, Keri Hilson, Chrisette Michele, Lalah Hathaway, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Ledisi, Laura Izibor and New Orleans' own Irma Thomas.

"It means a great deal for me to be in the company of such wonderful women, women who I have the pleasure of knowing personally," Jackson said in an interview before her performance. "I'm especially honoured to be able to play on a stage that also hosts Gladys Knight. She watched me grow up and I remember her being around the Motown family when I was a kid. It's definitely an honour."