Janet Jackson is on the cover of Billboard‘s new issue, and will be honored with the Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards on May 20.

Janet Jackson opened up on her son, Eissa, whom she welcomed with her ex billionaire husband Wissam Al Mana on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. The singer admits she’s always at peace whenever Eissa is in her arms, as she continued to discuss her self doubt and favorite Michael Jackson moments with the mag

On her son Eissa: “My son, even in his short 17 months on the planet, has showed me that love, no matter how deeply you believe you have experienced that emotion, can always go deeper. Love is limitless. And for someone like me, raised in show business where self-concern is always a priority, how fortunate I am now to be concerned, first and foremost, with the welfare of someone else. Day after day and night after night, holding my baby in my arms, I am at peace. I am blessed. I feel bliss. In those moments, all is right with the world.”

On self doubt: “Like millions of other women, I’ve struggled with low self-esteem my whole life. I’m doing better in that regard. My inclination toward harsh self-criticism and even self-negation has dramatically eased up. I believe in all the different methods of help — smart psychology, vigorous exercise and sincere spirituality.”

On one of her favorite Michael Jackson memories: “I was 16 and in between my first two records. Michael was recording [1982’s] Thriller. He invited me to the studio where he was about to sing “P.Y.T.” and asked me to help out on background vocals. Since we had been singing together forever, I knew it’d be easy. I jumped at the chance. I loved being one of the P.Y.T.’s and was especially proud — I hope this doesn’t sound like bragging — that when the record was mixed, my single background voice was the one featured. I can’t tell you how good that made me feel.”

Photo Credit  Billboard