Teyana Taylor, the celebrated Golden Globe-winning artist known for her versatility in acting, singing, and dancing, has recently shared her experiences with those who inspire her, particularly her idol, Janet Jackson. Currently taking a well-deserved break after a remarkable season of red carpets and accolades, Taylor expresses her excitement to honour Jackson in a special feature for PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful issue.
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As she prepares to emulate the iconic Janet Jackson, Taylor reveals her deep admiration that has persisted since childhood. “Everyone who knows me knows I don’t play about Janet,” she declares. Her admiration can be traced back to her early years, when she stumbled upon a DVD of Jackson’s unforgettable “Velvet Rope” tour. “I had no business watching it at that age,” she admits, reflecting on how it inspired her career path. The experience was pivotal, shaping her identity as an artist from a young age.
In her latest project, Taylor chose to recreate a specific look from Jackson’s extensive repertoire—a military-inspired outfit worn during the Janet World Tour from 1993 to 1995. Esteemed designers Baba Jagne and Laurel Dewitt collaborated with her on the vision for the ensemble, while Taylor herself took charge of the styling and fitness that included her toned abs. “I wanted to do something a little different and unexpected,” she notes, especially as she has already celebrated many of Jackson’s iconic fashions in previous appearances.
A notable moment in Taylor’s fandom occurred in 2017 when an unfortunate flight cancellation prevented her from attending a Jackson concert. In a twist of fate, Jackson reached out to her via FaceTime, leading to an emotional encounter—a moment that highlighted the singer’s genuine spirit. “I had my Janet shirt on that I’d slept in,” Taylor recalls, revealing the depth of her fandom. Their paths crossed again at a later concert, and shockingly, Taylor’s idol surprised her by attending one of the final shows on Taylor’s farewell tour in London.
Despite sharing a close bond with Jackson, Taylor still grapples with being both a fan and a friend. “Even though we’ve grown a close bond, I’m still a fan. I don’t take it for granted,” she reflects. Such sentiments were echoed during their discussions, particularly when Jackson provided Taylor with invaluable advice that encouraged her return to music after her retirement in December 2020. Their friendship has flourished over time, with Jackson affectionately known as “Jan.”
Taylor’s achievements during the recent awards season were noteworthy, as she not only won a Golden Globe but also received other nominations for her performance in “One Battle After Another.” “Awards season was amazing for me,” she declared, clearly appreciating the fruits of her hard work. Enjoying these celebrations, Taylor embraced the joy of being part of the limelight, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to shine.
In addition to the glamour, Taylor remained grounded as she celebrated with her family. After attending the Oscars and associated afterparties, she prioritised her daughters, Junie and Rue Rose, making it a point to nurture her role as a mother. “I went straight to the hotel to love on my babies and put them to bed,” she shared, illustrating her commitment to both her career and motherhood.
As she adjusts to life post-awards season, Taylor remains driven and active. “My team is like, ‘Teyana, you need a break,’ but I actually can’t stay still,” she admits. This hard work ethic translates into quality family time at home, where simple moments with her daughters bring her immense joy. Driving through the carpool line in her Kia Carnival minivan, she finds peace in the everyday activities that fill their lives with joy.
For Taylor, the essence of her happiness comes from her experience as a mother. “Winning at motherhood makes me feel the most beautiful,” she says, underscoring the idea that love is rooted in the simplest moments spent with her children. The joy of nurturing her daughters, witnessing their kindness as they soothe her emotions, adds a layer of beauty to her life that she cherishes deeply.
For followers of Teyana Taylor and fans of Janet Jackson, her journey exemplifies not only professional aspirations but a profound personal evolution rooted in respect for her mentors and a commitment to her family. Further insights into Taylor’s life and contributions can be found in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands Friday.