Jackson performed the song as a medley with " That 's the Way Love Goes " at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 2 , 1993 . She wore a leather crop top and jeans for this performance . The performance was introduced by actor Christian Slater , who declared Jackson to have " the sexiest bellybutton I 've ever seen " during the announcement . The MTV Video Music Awards performance is often considered one of the most infamous and intricate performances of Jackson 's career . '' Complex '' considered the performance among " The 25 Sexiest Moments in VMA History , " commenting " when Britney and Christina were busy dealing with midterms and acne , Janet Jackson was the queen of bringing sexy to the VMA stage . Though it 'd no doubt be considered tame by today 's standards , Janet 's exposed stomach and bra made for the hottest performance of the year . " On the 1993-95 janet . World Tour , Jackson performed " If " as the opening song . Lenny Stoute of the '' Toronto Star '' stated " This pelvic-thrusting , butt-wiggling , lip-licking high-energy temptress is a long way from the cute 'n' chubby girl next door of her previous Rhythm Nation tour . And she came equipped with the tough dance moves , firm muscles and seven costume changes to emphasize the difference . " '' Jet Magazine '' wrote , " Janet mesmerzied the crowd by opening with the hit song , ' If ' . " It has also been performed on all of her following tours , the janet . World Tour , The Velvet Rope Tour , All for You Tour , Rock Witchu Tour , Number Ones , Up Close and Personal , Unbreakable World Tour , and the State of the World Tour . It is also included in her 2019 Las Vegas Residency Janet Jackson : Metamorphosis
MTV Video Music Awards
1993 MTV Video Music Awards
If (Janet Jackson song)