Paris, Jun 17: It's a safe bet that the Louvre Museum, the hallowed sanctum that houses the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa and countless other artistic treasures, has never seen moves quite like Janet Jackson's.
The Grammy-winning pop princess gave her raunchy fabulous best for a good cause on Tuesday, June 14, bumping and grinding her way through a raucous set at a glitzy charity gala inside the museum.
The concert - the highlight of the "Liaisons au Louvre" benefit, with proceeds going to the museum - was a first-ever for an institution more often associated with string quartets in period costume than sexed-up American pop divas.
Held under I.M. Pei's iconic pyramid, Jackson's performance was loud enough to make the glass paneling reverberate overhead.
Jackson, sporting a white crocodile pantsuit and surrounded by a cadre of crotch-grabbing dancers, belted out a medley of her greatest hits, including 1986's "What Have You Done For Me Lately," "Miss You Much" and "Rhythm Nation," both from 1989, as well as her trademark hit "Nasty."
Astonishingly for a posh charity event - where cumbersome evening gowns tend to keep guests glued to their seats - Jackson had the well-heeled crowd of about 300 up and dancing.
The Louvre closed early to the public to receive guests including Prince Albert II of Monaco and actress Diane Kruger, as well as hundreds of art lovers and do-gooders with deep pockets. They sipped flutes of Champagne as they ambled among the works of art and explored private chambers once belonging to Louis XIV, the Sun King, before dining in a covered sculpture garden.
The "Liaisons au Louvre" event is organized by Becca Cason Thrash, a Houston-based philanthropist whose work for the museum has made her a beloved figure in France. AP
