Janet Jackson is among the headliners announced for the 2018 Essence Festival. The festival returns to the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans July 5-8.

Missy Elliott knew she was being honored by Essence — but not who was giving her the accolade. So there was plenty of emotion when close friend Janet Jackson not only handed her her trophy but praised her talent. Janet was one of many stars who turned up to pay tribute to the singer, songwriter, rapper and producer. "Some rhyme, some rap; some act, some choreograph; some write hit songs; some create whole new sounds. Some women are able to make her mark in some of these fields; but there's only one woman who has made her mark in all of these fields," Jackson told a packed crowd on Thursday night. "Not only have you made your mark, but she's done so with boldness and courage."

Watch Paris Jackson speak onstage at the Women's March Los Angeles on January 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 

Jermaine Jackson was in Madrid, Spain to lend his support for the Jackson tribute show FOREVER, attending a press conference with the producers and cast of the show on 17 January and attending the premiere of the show at Nuevo Apolo theatre. In the press interviews Jermaine Jackson spoke about:

• the gift and talent of his brother Michael, about Michael's infinite musical heritage,
• about more people involved int he death of Michael, 
• Jermaine also said that his family loves Bruno Mars, however there is only one Michael Jackson and he is irreplaceable and unmatched,
• Jermaine also addressed president Donald Trump calling him a racist and he said that in The United States democracy is preached however not practised. 

Austin Brown released the official video for his single "Smile" from the EP Canyon Sessions, recorded in Paris, directed by Pierre Rabagny and featuring Austin Brown and Elen Capri. Check it out!

Jermaine Jackson will attend FOREVER, KING OF POP on 17 and 18 January in Madrid, Spain. Tickets are available here. 

Welcome to the Billboard Chart Beat Podcast, where each week co-hosts Gary Trust and Trevor Anderson, from the Billboard charts department, discuss why what's on the charts … is on the charts, while also looking at current chart action in a historical context for even greater insights. In the last podcast of 2017, we welcome two special guests: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackie Jackson of The Jacksons and Fred Bronson, longtime Billboardwriter (including of the Chart Beat column) and author of the new book, The Jacksons: Legacy. 

During the MAX Proms event in The Netherlands on December 2nd, Jermaine Jackson introduced his sons Jaafar (21) and Jermajesty (17) to perform together live on stage with the full Metropole Orchestra singing  "The Christmas Song". This exclusive performance marks the stage debut for Jaafar and Jermajesty and is special because it's the first time Jermaine and his sons performed together and because Jermaine sings "The Christmas Song" again which he recorded for The Jacksons 5 Christmas Album in July of 1970 at the age of 15. Jermaine performed a set of hits with the orchestra during the televised MAX Proms event that aired on NPO2 in two shows on Christmas (25 December) and New Year's Eve (31 December) ringing in 2018 with "When The Rain Begins To Fall". 

Jermaine Jackson performed during the Adventure of Humanity World Peace Night at Villa Oxygen in May of 2017 and he will be performing again at the Maracana Stadium during the Zico All Star Game on December 27th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where Adventure of Humaity continues in support of all children's Equal Rights. 

Listen how Yashi Brown became a mental health advocate and how bipolar has been a blessing in disguise in her interview with Dr. Denise McDermott. 

The ruling from judge Mitchell L Beckloff resolves one of the last major claims against the holdings of the "King of Pop", who died in 2009 aged 50.  It was decided that the two Jackson-owned corporations that were the remaining defendants in the case were not liable for Wade Robson's exposure to the singer. The judge did not rule on the credibility of the allegations themselves. Mr Robson's lawyer, Vince Finaldi, said his client plans to appeal against the judgement.