Janet Jackson to take the stage at the 2010 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans

Janet Jackson to perform at Essence in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — It’s been two years since singer Janet Jackson performed on a concert stage and her fans say that’s been two years too long.

Jackson marks her stage return Friday with an opening night performance during the Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Jackson said she’s excited about the appearance.

Fans got a glimpse of her new, sassy, short-cropped hair and her signature, shapely figure on the finale show of American Idol. On the show, she rocked classics like “Again” and “Nasty” and her latest release, “Nothing,” from the soundtrack of the movie, “Why Did I Get Married Too?,” which she also starred in.

The festival runs through Sunday.