• Janet Jackson performs during Jeddah World Fest, flanked by backing dancers. EPA/STR
    Janet Jackson performs during Jeddah World Fest, flanked by backing dancers. EPA/STR
  • Janet Jackson put on a trademark slick performance at Jeddah World music Festival / AFP / AMER HILABI
    Janet Jackson put on a trademark slick performance at Jeddah World music Festival / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • The crowd reacts as Janet Jackson takes to the stage / AFP / AMER HILABI
    The crowd reacts as Janet Jackson takes to the stage / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • Crowds enjoy Janet Jackson's performance during in Jeddah. / AFP / Amer HILABI
    Crowds enjoy Janet Jackson's performance during in Jeddah. / AFP / Amer HILABI
  • US singer Janet Jackson performs on stage during the Jeddah World Festival in Saudi Arabia / AFP / AMER HILABI
    US singer Janet Jackson performs on stage during the Jeddah World Festival in Saudi Arabia / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • Janet Jackson was a last-minute addition to the line up at Jeddah World Festival. (AP Photo/Khalid Alhaj)
    Janet Jackson was a last-minute addition to the line up at Jeddah World Festival. (AP Photo/Khalid Alhaj)
  • Janet Jackson performs on stage during the Jeddah World Festival at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. AFP
    Janet Jackson performs on stage during the Jeddah World Festival at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. AFP
  • Fans wave to R3wire as he performs. AP Photo
    Fans wave to R3wire as he performs. AP Photo
  • Fans wave to Liam Payne as he performs. AP Photo
    Fans wave to Liam Payne as he performs. AP Photo
  • US dj Steve Aoki on stage at Jeddah World Fest / AFP / AMER HILABI
    US dj Steve Aoki on stage at Jeddah World Fest / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • Steve Aoki on stage in Jeddah. / AFP / AMER HILABI
    Steve Aoki on stage in Jeddah. / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • Tyga performs on stage. AFP
    Tyga performs on stage. AFP
  • Future performs on stage. AFP
    Future performs on stage. AFP
  • US rapper 50 Cent was also a last minute addition to the bill at Jeddah World Fest. / AFP / AMER HILABI
    US rapper 50 Cent was also a last minute addition to the bill at Jeddah World Fest. / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • 50 Cent performs on stage. AFP
    50 Cent performs on stage. AFP
  • US rapper Future performs on stage at Jeddah World Festival . / AFP / AMER HILABI
    US rapper Future performs on stage at Jeddah World Festival . / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • Chris Brown performs on stage. AFP
    Chris Brown performs on stage. AFP
  • US rapper Future came on stage in Jeddah in sunglasses and a hoodie. / AFP / AMER HILABI
    US rapper Future came on stage in Jeddah in sunglasses and a hoodie. / AFP / AMER HILABI
  • Chris Brown joined Janet Jackson and 50 Cent in Saudi Arabia/ AFP / AMER HILABI
    Chris Brown joined Janet Jackson and 50 Cent in Saudi Arabia/ AFP / AMER HILABI
  • Fans film and wave during the Jeddah World Fest. AP Photo
    Fans film and wave during the Jeddah World Fest. AP Photo

Jeddah World Fest: Janet Jackson, 50 Cent, Liam Payne and Chris Brown take to stage in Saudi Arabia - in pictures


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

Janet Jackson, 50 Cent and Chris Brown were among the huge stars to take to the stage in Saudi Arabia last night.

The superstars were last-minute additions to the Jeddah World Fest line-up, confirming the day before the event, which took place on Thursday evening.

They joined former One Direction star Liam Payne. It was the first time performing in Saudi Arabia for all the artists.

"Amazing news! Janet Jackson is confirmed to perform at Jeddah World Fest! We can't wait to see this incredible icon in Jeddah," Jeddah Season tweeted on Wednesday.

Jeddah Season quickly also announced the addition of Future and 50 Cent to the, writing: "50 Cent! Wow wow wow 50 Cent is going to perform live at Jeddah World Fest!"

Jeddah World Fest is a part of cultural festival Jeddah Season, which has already attracted a host of big name stars, including Marshmello and the Backstreet Boys.

Nicki Minaj had been set to perform at the festival, but pulled out following backlash to her lyrics and on-stage outfits.

"After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest," the singer said in a statement.

See pictures from the evening in the gallery above.