Jackson goes topless again after 'nipplegate'

Pop star Janet Jackson is back on the news stands after posing topless for the front cover of a US magazine.

The 40-year-old singer, newly svelte after losing over four stone, appears on the cover of Vibe wearing a skimpy bikini bottom and a necklace made of large shells. Her right arm covers her breasts.

Asked if she will ever stop posing for sexy photos, Jackson tells the magazine: “Of course. When I’m 80 – that’s when I’ll call it quits.”

Two years ago, Justin Timberlake pulled off a part of Jackson’s bustier, briefly exposing one of her breasts, during the Super Bowl half-time show.

In the interview, Jackson says the incident – variously referred to as “Nipplegate” and the “bra-ha-ha” – is history.

“It’s just over and done with. It’s old. It’s the past. It’s hisory. I’m on to something new. Everybody got their licks in – those who wanted to – and it’s done,” she says.

Jackson credits her boyfriend, 33-year-old music producer Jermaine Dupri, for giving her self-esteem “a little boost".

Her new album, 20 Y.O., is released in the US next month. Dupri produced a few tracks, and long-time collaborators Jimmy “Jam” Harris and Terry Lewis helped as well.

The pop star recently said she had packed on extra weight for a role in the movie Tennessee, which she ultimately had to pass on because of her new record.

When asked if she’d rather have a hit album or win an Oscar, she says: “Win an Oscar. It’s just a passion. But can’t I have both? Everybody in my family says I’m spoiled anyway. I want both...”