Janet Jackson finally enters the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Janet Jackson will finally get inducted into the Rock and Role Hall of Fame in the spring of 2019, and she definitely deserves it.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction happens but once a year. Among the musicians being honored this time around is one icon who should have been inducted long before now.

Notable musicians and bands inducted this year include Def Leppard, the Cure, Radiohead, Stevi Nicks and finally Janet Jackson. Jackson’s fans have petitioned for her to be included for years, and after three nominations, the woman who brought us “Rhythm Nation” is finally where she belongs.

Jackson’s brother, Michael, along with the Jackson Five are already a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s both a relief and a shock Janet Jackson has finally joined them, given her fame, success and recognition by fans for decades.

Earlier this year, fans created a hashtag to celebrate Janet Jackson when it was announced that Justine Timberlake would perform at the Super Bowl. Given what happened when Jackson and Timberlake performed together in 2004, many fans weren’t thrilled by the double standard, so they made #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay. While this hashtag was going viral, many pointed out how ridiculous it was that Jackson wasn’t in the Hall of Fame yet.

Many celebrities and critics have also pointed out over the years that Janet Jackson should have already been included and that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame needs to do a better job of including notable women and black people.

Some critics argue that pop or hip-hop stars shouldn’t be included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Janet Jackson is definitely a rock star no matter how you look at it. Her style of music, her attitude onstage, her cultural impact all make her one of the biggest rock stars in history. As Ice Cube once argued, rock and roll is easily a versatile genre.

While Jackson should definitely have been inducted long before now, we’re glad to see she’s finally being recognized for her contributions to the music industry.

Hopefully, the nomination committee will recognize more diverse women in the future.