Janet Jackson performs at Essence Music Festival 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, first-time performance at the Essence Music Festival inside the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

"I'm excited, we're excited," Jackson said in an interview prior to her appearance. "It's been awhile since I've been on stage and we're just excited to get back out there."

Fans got a glimpse of her new, sassy, short-cropped hair and her signature, shapely figure on the finale show of American Idol where 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.

Will Bias, a frequent fest-goer from New Orleans, said he is definitely looking forward the show.

"I've never seen her perform live, only on TV, so I'm just wondering what to expect," he said. "I know it's going to be good, though. She's been away for so long, she's probably got some surprises in store for us."

Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., was as excited as fans to be able to hear Jackson sing some of her hits in person. She said festival organizers had extended invitations to perform numerous times over the course of the last 15 years and this year she finally accepted.

"Prayer works," Ebanks said laughing.

The festival is celebrating the magazine's 40th anniversary this year and Ebanks said they wanted to do so by putting the spotlight on strong, powerful female artists. In addition to Jackson, the lineup includes Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Monica, Keri Hilson, Chrisette Michele, Lalah Hathaway, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Ledisi, Laura Izibor and New Orleans' own Irma Thomas.

"It means a great deal for me to be in the company of such wonderful women, women who I have the pleasure of knowing personally," Jackson said. "I'm especially honored to be able to play on a stage that also hosts Gladys Knight. She watched me grow up and I remember her being around the Motown family when I was a kid. It's definitely an honor."

Jackson, 44, said she has wanted to come to the festival previously but a jam-packed schedule didn't allow it.

"It didn't really permit me this time either, but because I really wanted to do it, we've worked it in," she said.