Today Host Sheinelle Jones Keeps 2019 Janet Jackson Costume

Sheinelle Jones admits to unauthorized removal of the outfit from 30 Rockefeller Plaza after her 2019 Janet Jackson portrayal.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Fashion

Bold vector editorial illustration of a sequined costume hanging on a rack, representing the behind-the-scenes storage of production wardrobe. — Today show host Sheinelle Jones disclosed she retained a Janet Jackson costume worn during 2019 Halloween festivities, bypassing standard return protocols. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Today show host Sheinelle Jones revealed on October 22, 2026, that she kept a Halloween costume from her 2019 Janet Jackson portrayal. The outfit was removed from 30 Rockefeller Plaza without authorization despite standard show procedures.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the behind-the-scenes handling of elaborate production wardrobe. While costumes are typically returned to the department, wigs used for these appearances belong to the Saturday Night Live team.

Today show costumes are generally returned to the costume department after use. Additionally, wigs utilized for the show’s group Halloween specials are managed by the Saturday Night Live costume department.

The players

Sheinelle Jones

Sheinelle Jones is a broadcast journalist and a long-time host on the Today show.

Today

Today is a long-running morning television program broadcast on NBC.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is an iconic singer, songwriter, and dancer known for her influential impact on pop culture.

Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live is a late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show.

The details

Sheinelle Jones, 48, held onto the costume she wore while portraying Janet Jackson in 2019. The outfit was taken from the studio facility at 30 Rockefeller Plaza after she participated in the show's Halloween festivities.

Sheinelle Jones began participating in the Today show Halloween tradition in 2017.
Jones portrayed Janet Jackson in 2019.
Jones revealed she kept the costume on October 22, 2026.
The upcoming Today show group Halloween costumes will be revealed in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The Today show group Halloween costume tradition serves as a recurring cultural benchmark for evaluating host participation and costume logistics. This event highlights the contrast between the elaborate, temporary nature of these televised looks and the strict inventory protocols governing them.

This story illustrates how specific high-profile production wardrobe items are tracked and managed within large-scale broadcast environments. Viewers can expect to see the next annual group costume reveal in late October 2026.

The takeaway

The inventory process for major television productions often involves strict returns to department archives. Keeping a production costume requires specific clearance that deviates from standard show procedures.