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Harlem Week Gets Visit From Janet Jackson

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Music icon Janet Jackson made an appearance at Harlem Week on Saturday to celebrate her new single "Made for Now."

"Who wouldn't want to come out and see Janet Jackson perform, especially here at Harlem Week?" one woman told CBS2's Reena Roy.

Fans of the legendary singer didn't let the rain stop them from seeing her in their neighborhood.

"I'm a huge, huge fan of hers and I love her new song," said another. "Now actually be able to see her up close and personal, it is Harlem, it's pretty special."

"It's not all the time that you have someone like Janet Jackson come to New York City, especially for free," a man added. 

"I was actually star struck. She was very humble and it was everything I expected it to be," another woman said.

"It was amazing seeing her, she's one of my idols," said another. "I didn't think she was going to come out, because it started raining actually, but she did and that was nice."

Jackson was joined by Daddy Yankee – they took the subway together moments before going on stage. She was also honored by the MTA and Harlem Chamber of Commerce.

"Janet, you are truly a woman transforming the world," one woman said.

The 44th annual Harlem Week continues through August 25 with music and dance performances, family and children's events, Harlem restaurant week and more.

"It's really great for people to enjoy themselves, to have fun and to laugh – you know to forget hard times, forget about the bad times," said the man.

"It's a whole lot of love in here. The vibe is just wonderful, just great, uplifting, energetic," a woman added.

Saturday's performances lasted until 10 p.m., along with tributes to the late Aretha Franklin.

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