You spotted two R&B icons making headlines this week—Janet Jackson and Maxwell—after they were seen holding hands in London. Their joint appearance at a high-profile West End performance quickly ignited rumors about a possible romantic connection between the longtime music stars.
You would have seen Jackson, 59, arriving with Maxwell, 52, at the Playhouse Theatre on Monday, July 7. They were attending the 1,500th performance of Cabaret, and the two looked effortlessly stylish. Jackson wore a white pantsuit with a slicked-back bun. Maxwell dressed in all black, complementing her look perfectly.
Fans captured the moment on video and posted it online, where it quickly went viral. Jackson was smiling as she walked into the theatre hand-in-hand with Maxwell. Their entrance immediately stirred speculation about a romantic relationship, even though neither has commented publicly on the nature of their connection.
The milestone performance of Cabaret drew many familiar faces. Other celebrities spotted in the audience included Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne and actress Helena Bonham Carter. But it was Jackson and Maxwell’s synchronized appearance that stole the spotlight and captured fans’ attention around the world.
Jackson’s night out with Maxwell comes eight years after her divorce from businessman Wissam Al Mana. The former couple were married for five years and share a son named Eissa, who is now eight years old. Since then, Jackson has remained mostly private about her personal life.
In a July 2024 interview with the BBC, Jackson expressed how deeply she values being a mother. “[Being a mother is] the most beautiful thing. I’m so thankful God allowed me to have this experience, this journey in my life,” she said. “And I love every single minute of it.”
During that same BBC interview, Jackson also poked fun at her romantic past. “How many times have I been married now? Three I think,” she joked. Alongside Al Mana, she was previously married to René Elizondo Jr. and James DeBarge. Her tone was light, but her words carried a deeper reflection.
Later, in a September 2024 interview with The Guardian, Jackson confirmed that she was single but emotionally evolving. “I’m single, so I pray to God that I might have different lenses on these eyes than I did before,” she shared. Her words suggested a desire to move forward with clarity and purpose.
You learn that Jackson spoke candidly about breaking past relationship patterns. “I think I am breaking that pattern,” she said. “Even if I didn’t recognize it, I guarantee you my friends would shake the shit out of me and say, ‘What are you doing?!’” Her honesty offered a rare glimpse into her personal growth.
Jackson recently received the ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards. She took the stage with performances of “All for You” and “Someone to Call My Lover,” thrilling longtime fans. Her stage presence remained electric, proving her music legacy remains as strong as ever.
During her award acceptance, Jackson stayed grounded. “I am so so honored. I am so grateful. I mean, no disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon,” she said. She emphasized her family’s humble beginnings and said their dream was rooted in love for music—not fame.
Jackson told the audience, “My story, my family’s story is truly an American story. This would have only happened in America.” She reminded fans that success was the result of dedication and hard work. Her words reflected a career built on discipline rather than a desire for celebrity.
Earlier this year, Jackson wrapped up a 10-show residency in Las Vegas. If you’re hoping to catch her live, she has six additional shows scheduled for September. With her continued performances and possible new love interest, Janet Jackson remains as compelling and influential as ever.
