International superstar Jennifer Lopez opened the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) with a vibrant, high-energy performance that featured a medley of chart-topping hits. The event was held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26, 2025, and marked Lopez’s return as host of the AMAs, a role she previously took on in 2015.
Her performance included selections from some of the most popular songs of the previous year and was met with both applause and lively discussion across social media platforms.
A Medley of Hits and a Memorable Opening
Lopez performed a six-minute routine featuring choreography and costume changes that showcased her signature energy and stage presence. According to Billboard, the setlist included her own song “Dance Again” (2012) as well as excerpts from top artists like Billie Eilish (“Birds of a Feather”), Kendrick Lamar (“Not Like Us”), Sabrina Carpenter (“Espresso”), Beyoncé (“Texas Hold ‘Em”), and Teddy Swims (“Lose Control”).
Dressed in a shimmering jumpsuit, Lopez performed alongside a team of professional dancers and executed a demanding routine she reportedly rehearsed for several weeks leading up to the show. In a post-performance interview with Entertainment Tonight (ET), she revealed she sustained a minor injury during rehearsals that required three stitches.
“I smashed my face into my own knee,” she told ET. “We had to adjust the choreography because I didn’t trust myself to do that move again.”
Social Media Reactions and Performance Highlights
A moment during the performance drew significant attention—Lopez briefly kissed both a male and female dancer as part of the choreography. While the moment was choreographed as part of a broader narrative within the performance, it sparked mixed reactions online.
Some viewers praised the performance for its inclusivity and bold staging. Others raised concerns about artistic intent, with a minority of critics suggesting the kiss was attention-seeking. However, entertainment analysts and media commentators emphasized that such moments are part of long-standing performance traditions and should be viewed within the context of the art form.
Speaking to ET, Lopez clarified: “It was fun. There was a whole narrative to the performance. It’s always about love—it’s always about finding your way and remembering who you are.”
Celebrity and Audience Support
After the performance, comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish took the stage to commend Lopez’s dynamic hosting and performance. “Just from that opening number alone, Jenny from the Block got all her steps in—and all her kisses in!” Haddish joked, adding a light-hearted tone to the broadcast.
Throughout the evening, Lopez wore eight different outfits and received praise for her versatility and stage presence. Publications including People and The Hollywood Reporter described the performance as “visually striking” and “a reminder of Lopez’s enduring showmanship.”
Addressing Online Commentary with Poise
As with many public performances, Lopez’s show generated a spectrum of responses online. While most celebrated her vocal and dance abilities, a subset of social media users expressed discomfort with the mid-performance kiss.
It’s important to note that Lopez did not label her performance in any particular political or social context. In her official comments to ET, she focused instead on the theme of love, creativity, and storytelling through music and dance.
Industry analysts, including those quoted in Variety and CNN Entertainment, noted that performers often incorporate symbolic elements into live shows to express emotion or connection. These choices, while sometimes provocative, are part of artistic freedom in stagecraft.
A Career Defined by Innovation and Evolution
Jennifer Lopez, who is now 55 years old, continues to be a formidable presence in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over three decades, she has achieved multi-platinum records, starred in box office hits, and earned critical acclaim for her performances in film and on stage.
In 2023, she released the musical film This Is Me… Now, a visual companion to her studio album of the same name. The project explored personal growth, love, and transformation, and received positive coverage from Rolling Stone and The New York Times for its originality.
Her latest performance at the AMAs is viewed by many as a continuation of that personal and artistic evolution.
Focus on Creativity, Not Controversy
Lopez’s team and official sources have not responded to unverified claims or speculative online comments about the performance. As of this writing, no reputable news outlet has reported any policy violations or public complaints submitted to the event organizers or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Public figures and media personalities routinely face polarized responses, particularly in the era of real-time social media. Lopez has consistently focused on creating content that aligns with her values—self-expression, empowerment, and love—without engaging in reactive commentary.
Final Thoughts
Jennifer Lopez’s 2025 American Music Awards performance was a high-profile moment that captured her ability to blend music, dance, and storytelling into a memorable production. While some viewers fixated on specific moments, the broader impact of her performance highlighted her professionalism, creative direction, and continued relevance in global entertainment.
As she embarks on her upcoming Las Vegas residency, Lopez continues to prove why she remains a celebrated icon in pop culture.
Sources Used for Verification
- Entertainment Tonight (ET)
- Billboard
- People Magazine
- CNN Entertainment
- Variety
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Jennifer Lopez Official Instagram
- American Music Awards Official
