The pop icon’s fedora-and-tee tribute sparked a wave of nostalgia—and a few raised eyebrows
A Red Carpet Homage
Janet Jackson turned heads at the BET Awards on Sunday night, stepping onto the red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles in an ensemble that unmistakably echoed the signature style of her late brother, Michael Jackson. The 60-year-old singer paired a black fedora with a matching T-shirt, instantly recalling the silhouette her brother made iconic decades ago.
Layered beneath the look was a white pinstripe shirt, cinched at the waist with a chunky black belt. Janet rounded out the outfit with charcoal-grey trousers, a stack of silver bracelets, statement silver earrings, and a delicate touch of millinery veiling—a combination that felt equal parts tribute and high fashion.
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The Sibling Bond Behind the Style
Janet, the youngest of nine siblings, shared an especially close relationship with Michael during their formative years. Both siblings would go on to build extraordinary solo careers: Janet has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, while Michael earned global recognition as the “King of Pop,” widely regarded as one of the most influential entertainers in history. He died in 2009 from a propofol overdose administered by his physician.
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Why Janet Skipped the Jackson Biopic
The red carpet appearance comes months after Janet made headlines for a different reason tied to her brother’s legacy. She “politely declined” a role in the 2026 biopic Michael, which chronicles the late star’s early life and has since grossed nearly $977 million at the box office. Speaking at the film’s Hollywood premiere, sister LaToya Jackson told Variety that Janet was approached about appearing but chose not to participate, adding that the family respected her decision.
Janet Reflects on Legacy and the “Icon” Label
The fashion moment also follows Janet’s emotional acceptance speech after receiving the ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards. Despite the honor, Janet expressed hesitation about the title itself, noting that fame was never the Jackson family’s original ambition. She described their shared love of music and performance as the true driving force behind their success, calling her family’s journey a distinctly American story made possible by hard work rather than a pursuit of stardom.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Away from award shows and tributes, Janet maintains a famously private personal life. She is mother to nine-year-old son Eissa, born in January 2017 when she was 50, with her former husband, Wissam Al Mana. While she rarely discusses her son publicly, Janet occasionally offers small glimpses into her life as a single, working mother—moments that humanize the global superstar beyond her decades-long career in music and entertainment.
As tributes to Michael Jackson’s influence continue to surface across pop culture, Janet’s BET Awards look serves as a quiet, stylish reminder of the bond the siblings shared—and the lasting imprint Michael’s image continues to leave, even on the runway of his own sister’s wardrobe choices.
Source: Hello! Canada
