During the lively and costume-filled Halloween celebration on TODAY, there was one unforgettable highlight that stole the show — and it came courtesy of Sheinelle Jones. While the entire morning was packed with laughter, surprises, and nostalgic tributes, it was Sheinelle’s jaw-dropping performance as Janet Jackson from the iconic 1989 “Rhythm Nation” music video that truly lit up the studio and earned her high praise.
In full costume, complete with the signature military-style outfit and precise choreography, Sheinelle flawlessly recreated Janet’s famous dance routine, leaving the audience and her co-hosts stunned. Her dedication to capturing the spirit, energy, and power of the performance was clear from the first beat — and the reaction was immediate. Al Roker declared her “the winner of Halloween,” a title the team and fans wholeheartedly agreed with.
But the real magic came moments later, when Sheinelle received a surprise video message from Janet Jackson herself. The legendary singer praised Sheinelle’s tribute, making the moment not only thrilling but deeply emotional for Sheinelle, a lifelong fan. It was the kind of full-circle moment that few people ever get to experience — and it reminded viewers why live television, at its best, can still deliver genuine joy.
The performance was a perfect mix of celebration, nostalgia, and heart, and for many, it wasn’t just the best moment of the show — it was a TODAY Halloween memory for the ages.
“Hey, Sheinelle,” the superstar said. “Thank you so much for thinking of me and ‘Rhythm Nation’ this year. Man, I cannot believe it’s been 30 years since that album was released, but I’m so glad you’re still enjoying it.”
That message made Halloween feel more like Christmas morning to the 3rd hour of TODAY co-host, who put her hand over her heart and started to cry.
“In my old basement, with the wood-paneled walls and green carpet, I had a tape recorder of that song, and I’d put a hat on and (dance),” Sheinelle explained of the emotional moment. “I was like 12 … this was bucket list, guys!”
Other than those dancing days as a tween, she didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for Thursday’s performance.
“We practiced with the dancers one time,” she said of the synchronized moves that would have made Jackson proud — and certainly made the rest of us proud.
Jackson later tweeted that she “loved” the tribute.
But Sheinelle wasn’t the only one to get a celebrity shout-out.
Savannah Guthrie, who delivered a fun take on Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy from “Grease,” got a greeting from the Aussie actress, who told her the secret to success was to “act saucy.”
Needless to say, Savannah nailed it.
And after Al Roker put on his best Carlton dance from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” star Alfonso Ribeiro told him that it was the “perfect idea for Halloween.”
We couldn’t agree more!
