David Ritz, a popular novelist, biographer, and songwriter, is working with Janet on her upcoming book, according to his official website.
The "Works in Progress" section of the website lists a book titled The True You as being worked on "with Janet Jackson" and published in 2010 by Simon & Schuster.
It has not been confirmed yet whether The True You will be the official title of the book or if this is just a working title.
Earlier this month, a new biography was posted onto Janet's official website, which said that she would soon be publishing "her first book, providing an intimate look at her life and how she has dealt with issues of self-esteem." Her biography goes on to say that "Janet will reveal aspects not known before about her uniquely successful career not only in music but in television and motion pictures."
Ritz has worked with Janet numerous times since the Rhythm Nation era. In addition to penning work for magazine articles that appeared in multiple issues of Rolling Stone and Essence, he also wrote the essays in her janet. and Velvet Rope tour books, the liner notes in the Design of a Decade album, and two of the interludes on the Damita Jo album ("Looking for Love" and "The One").
The Foundation for AIDS Research, also known as amfAR, has officially announced in a press release that Janet will co-chair amfAR Milano on September 28, along with Asia Argento, Roberto Bolle, Dr. Hermann Buhlbecker, Andrea Castronovo, Dean and Dan Caten, Lapo Elkann, and Cristina Lucchini.
The event is the foundation's inaugural benefit for AIDS research held in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week.
"We are profoundly grateful to Janet Jackson for joining amfAR as a chair of its first event in Milan," said Kevin Robert Frost, amfAR's chief executive officer. "She brings incomparable grace and a history of dedication to the fight against AIDS."
The black-tie evening will take place at Milan's La Permanente and will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing (with DJ Bob Sinclar), amfAR's famed live auction of unique items, and a special burlesque performance by Dita Von Teese.
Ticket prices to attend the charity event range from various donor levels beginning at $2,100 up to $111,000.
amfAR is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment, education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $290 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.
TMZ has posted a video on their website of Janet leaving Katsuya, one of her favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, this week.
Earlier this week, People.com spotted Janet at the same restaurant enjoying "grapefruit cosmos and some sushi during her night out." An onlooker said Janet was "very sweet" and snapped photos with some fans.
MOBO today posted a statement on the organization's website clarifying media reports that Janet has been invited to perform at their awards show during a special Michael Jackson tribute next month in Scotland.
The full statement:
MOBO Statement - Janet Jackson
Following recent reports in the press, MOBO would like to clarify that we have never confirmed that Janet Jackson has been invited or will be attending/performing at this year's MOBO Awards, in Glasgow on September 30th.
As was reported, we will always welcome her at our show and as a previous MOBO presenter, we loved her past involvement and will continue to support her music and champion her career. Yet, at this stage we cannot comment on Janet Jackson's association with the 2009 MOBO Awards. However, there are lots of exciting things going on currently and we look forward to announcing them shortly!
We, as ever, appreciate your ongoing interest in the show - please keep coming back to mobo.com for future developments!
The Scottish Sunday Mail is reporting that Janet has been invited by organizers to perform at next month's MOBO Awards during a special tribute to Michael Jackson.
"Janet is a music icon in her own right and a previous MOBO presenter," a spokesman for the awards said. "We loved her past involvement with the show and MOBO will continue to support her music and champion her career."
While the newspaper report seems to indicate that Janet has accepted the invitation, it is unclear right now whether that is true.
The event will take place September 30 in Glasgow, Scotland. The MOBO Awards seek to recognize the influence of black music in popular culture.
In her second post to her new Twitter account, Janet revealed this evening that she has finished filming Why Did I Get Married, Too? and will now be focusing on recording her new album:
I just finished working on the film, "Why Did I Get Married Too." I'm looking forward to getting started on my new album!
The biography on Janet's newly launched official website contains some revealing information about three of Janet's upcoming projects, including an album and book in the works.
The website states:
Later this year, Janet will publish her first book, providing an intimate look at her life and how she has dealt with issues of self-esteem. Janet will reveal aspects not known before about her uniquely successful career not only in music but in television and motion pictures.
The next months and new year will also bring another film starring Janet as she joins Tyler Perry in his sequel, Why Did I Get Married Too, followed by a new album slated to released during the first quarter of 2010.
Earlier this year, Jimmy Jam gave an interview during which he said that he was beginning to work on a new album for Janet.
In early 2008 while promoting Discipline, Janet said that she was going to publish a book later that year about issues dealing with her weight control, however nothing had come of that.
Janet's official website, janetjackson.com, re-opened late last evening with a new look and new features.
The new website contains a biography, information about the charities Janet supports, a discography featuring most of Janet's full-length music videos, photographs, and an online store.
