One undiscovered artist has the chance to open for Janet Jackson during her 40th Control anniversary concert with help from legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins.
Unsigned and emerging artists have one more week to enter the Open for An Icon contest ahead of Jackson’s Dec. 12 concert at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The winner will have the chance to record three songs with Jerkins, have global media coverage, along with being provided VIP accommodations and travel to open for the five-time Grammy winner.
Jerkins, a 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, will choose the winner with Control 40 director Leslie Small and Airtab founder and CEO Dennis Cunningham. Jerkins’ credits include Brandy and Monica duet “The Boy Is Mine,” Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name” and Jackson’s “Feedback.”
Jackson’s Florida show will be filmed for concert film and documentary Janet Jackson: Control 40, expected to be released in 2027. This year marks four decades since the release of Control, which arrived Feb. 4, 1986, and became Jackson's first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. The album was Jackson’s third, following her eponymous 1982 album and Dream Street, released in 1984.
"40 years ago, my album, Control, it changed my life. And it was the moment that I found my voice," Jackson said in an Instagram reel posted in September. "And because of all of you, and God, it became this major success for me. I'm really, really excited."
The Open for An Icon contest also supports the Save Our Musicians Foundation, Airtab's 501(c)(3) nonprofit for independent musicians and music education..
