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By Mail Online Reporter
In great shape: Janet Jackson wowed the audience at American Idol in her clinging jumpsuit with sheer panelsThe show was all about finding the next big American Idol.
But while aspiring youngsters Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox anxiously waited in the wings, it was a veteran of the music scene who stole the show.
Janet Jackson revealed her newly slimline figure in a clinging low-cut jumpsuit, with sheer fishnet panels down the sides.
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The 44-year-old, whose weight has wildly fluctuated over the years, was on top form as she performed a gruelling eight-minute set.
She joined the 12 finalists onstage to perform her new single Again, followed by her song Nothing from the soundtrack of new Tyler Perry film Why Did I Get Married Too, wearing a black suit with red-lined sleeves.
Janet then shed the suit to unveil her eye-catching and unforgiving jumpsuit.
In great shape: Janet showed off her tiny waist in a clinging jumpsuit, as she performed Nasty from her 1986 album Control, surrounded by male dancers and green strobe lightsShe turned up the energy levels with an intense, carefully choereographed routine, surrounded by a hoard of young male dancers.
Her third number was Nasty, from her 1986 studio album Control.
Janet seemed on top of her game, with her newly sleek shaved haircut reflecting her polished performance.
Still got it: At 44 Janet showed she can still hold her own amongst the newest stars, with an impressive 8-minute long performanceHer appearance sparked a wave of positive reaction from fans on Twitter.
YayaMartinez wrote: 'Just watched Janet Jackson's performance on American Idol. Gave me chills! she's amazing!'
And Annkpowers agreed: 'Janet Jackson is a great example of the kind of pop Idol can never produce: understated, beat-oriented, frankly sexual.'
First outfit: Janet joined the 12 finalists onstage to perform her new single Again, followed by her 1993 hit Nothing, wearing a black suit with red-lined sleeves The return to form for Janet comes after a traumatic 12 months for the singer.
Last year saw the death of her big brother Michael and she ended her seven-year relationship with producer Jermaine Dupri.
She admited to comfort eating and as a result her waistline expanded.
But with her new movie, Why Did I Get Married Too? to film Janet embarked on a protein-heavy 1,300 to 1,650 calorie-a-day diet created by her nutritionist David Allen.
The results are obvious.
The star, who is 5ft4in tall, and Allen are now co-writing a weight-loss book, entitled True You.
Fluctuating: Janet has struggled with her weight over the years, culminating with her putting on weight following her brother Michael's death last year, right[endtext]