Janet Jackson has claimed she ‘didn’t mean to be rude’ during an interview after making a seemingly confusing request.
You would think as a celebrity, you might be used to rocking up to an interview to be asked questions - it’s kind of the entire point, when you think about it.
However, Janet Jackson made a rather bizarre request to presenter Dev Griffin, while recording a radio interview with Heart on 17 July.
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The Grammy-winning superstar, 58, was asked by Griffin what question she is sick of reporters asking her, after so many years in the spotlight.
But he could never have guessed what confusing request came out of her mouth next…
In response to the reasonable question, Jackson responded: “I don't mean to be rude, but I have to be honest with you.
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“Please stop asking me questions.”
She continued: “I've never thought I give a good interview.
“I really don't like speaking, so I'd rather stay quiet and listen to other people talk, and that's always been me.”
Jackson repeated, with a grin on her face: “Don't ask me questions. Are we finished?”
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The performer is in the midst of her Together Again tour's second North American leg, which will continue through to 30 July.
Following this, she’ll then head to Europe in September.
During the interview, Jackson also opened up about her early musical influences, which have inspired her career.
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She said: “I have to exclude family because obviously that spoke to me first, seeing my brothers, my sisters, my cousin Stevie [Wonder] - seeing him perform was a huge inspiration.”
The singer then talked about her love for Earth, Wind & Fire, saying: “My brothers would often take me with them when they would go to concerts, and I remember seeing Earth, Wind & Fire as a kid - just unforgettable.
“I'll never forget that.
“Really blew me away, the musicianship, and then the body of work.
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“I absolutely loved it.”
She also recalled seeing Prince in her very early twenties, and said that he performed a couple of songs that she hadn’t heard of.
Taking notes for her future career at the time, Jackson added: "I thought, 'If I ever perform on this level, I don't want to do that. I want to at least do songs that people are familiar with, for sure'."
They’re some pretty in-depth answers for a person who doesn’t want to be asked questions, that’s for sure!
Mia Williams