Janet Jackson Once Split Her Pants While Performing For Queen Elizabeth
"Whoops Now," indeed.
Talk about a breech in royal protocol.
Janet Jackson broke down some of her most memorable outfits for Vogue's Life in Looks YouTube series on Sept. 12, and one of her iconic looks nearly caused quite the stir.
“Funny story about this outfit," the pop star said of the famous black "Rhythm Nation" ensemble she wore for the 1989 Royal Variety Performance and her 1990 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
Jackson explained she was singing the song "for the Queen of England" when she experienced an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.
"Sure enough, as soon as I squatted, my pants split right in my booty crack. I couldn't believe it happened!" the "Escapade" singer said.
Jackson knew she wasn't having a nightmare when a breeze hit her bottom. "I started feeling air back there, so I knew it had really happened," she added with a laugh.
Luckily, the performer came up with a solution so she didn't flash her bum to Queen Elizabeth. “I never turned my back to her, which, some of the choreography, I was supposed to. I just faced forward.”
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
In addition to revealing her pants mishap, Jackson explained the inspiration behind the iconic all-black ensemble.
The hitmaker said she took inspiration from an ensemble in the 1966 film adaptation of Ray Bradbury's dystopian novel, "Farenheit 451," choosing a black cap and metal-trimmed shirt similar to one worn in the movie.
Jackson said she turned to her family for help in creating the "mock-neck shirt with the plate on it," hiring Bill Whitten—who created numerous outfits for her brother, Michael Jackson over the years—to make the look.
"He did a wonderful job, a beautiful job," Janet said.
@britishvogue ♬ original sound - British Vogue
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Buckingham Palace Responds After Royal Family Maid Is Arrested at "Out of Control" Christmas Party
"I've never seen one person get that crazy during a night out," a source claimed.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Taylor Swift Trades a Red Carpet Gown for a Black Sweater and $10,995 Necklace
As one does.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Taylor Swift Sweetly Dishes on Travis Kelce With a Young Swiftie at Children's Hospital
"I like Travis now," the fan shared.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Janet Jackson Says She Almost Played An Iconic Movie Role That Ultimately Went to Halle Berry
Jackson had to turn the part down because she was heading out on tour.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Britney Spears Exalts Janet Jackson: "She's Always Been the Deepest and the Brightest Woman"
Spears and Jackson share more than musical prowess: they share a common enemy.
By Fleurine Tideman Published