Janet Jackson Says Drew Barrymore’s Fangirling Is “A Little Bit Embarrassing”

Drew Barrymore and Ross Mathews were in for the surprise of a lifetime when Janet Jackson showed up for this morning’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. The dynamic duo had zero knowledge of who their special celebrity guest was going to be — so when the icon strutted out onstage, the co-hosts were understandably starstruck.

Barrymore’s mouth dropped open and her knees fell to the floor when she noticed Jackson, while Mathews screeched in excitement. The love fest only continued when the three of them sat down on the couch.

“I’ve always admired you so much,” Barrymore told the singer. “I would watch you on TV as a child actor and I was like, ‘Oh, she’s so amazing.’ I just admired you so much and you were someone I looked to to relate and think, ‘Oh, well, she’s doing it and I’m doing it. That’s so cool.'”

According to Barrymore, Jackson “changed the world” when she kickstarted her music career.

“I would go to the record store. Every single time you had a record coming out, I would go opening day and buy the record,” Barrymore gushed. “You also were the first female dancer that ever was on par with — like your brother. You were this magnanimous force and performer.”

She continued, “How did you do all of the things you’ve done?!”

Before Jackson could answer Barrymore’s question, Mathews asked her what it felt like to hear the talk show host tell her how much she meant to everyone.

“It’s a little bit embarrassing,” Jackson admitted, before adding, “No, honestly, it’s very sweet.”

The pop star then explained how she was able to achieve so much, telling the audience, “It’s teamwork. It’s not just me. From whether it’s my family in the very beginning of my career then going out on my own and having people that understood my vision and supporting that and going all the way — as far as we can take it.”

Jackson also thanked Barrymore for sending “the sweetest message” to her after her Janet Jackson documentary came out.

The Drew Barrymore Show airs on weekdays on CBS. You can check the website for local airtimes.