In the ever-shifting landscape of pop culture, there are few constants. But one of them, undoubtedly, is Jennifer Lopez’s refusal to be ignored. At 55, she opened the 2025 American Music Awards with a spectacle that had everyone talking — for better or worse. From the mirrored sci-fi staging to a medley of songs she didn’t write, to a surprise triple kiss with her dancers, J.Lo didn’t just perform; she stirred the pot.
The performance marked another chapter in Lopez’s decades-long career, proving she still has the power to dominate headlines. While some praised her stamina and commitment to reinvention, others took issue with the artistic choices she made. The internet exploded with praise, confusion, criticism, and, of course, memes.
Jennifer Lopez took the AMAs stage like a pop diva from another dimension. The performance began in a mirrored room filled with sleek chrome fixtures and robotic dancers, evoking imagery from science fiction epics and multiverse concepts that have captivated pop culture in recent years.
The mirrors weren’t just for effect. Symbolically, they created a hall-of-reflection — a nod to Lopez’s long career, her many personas, and her place in a music industry that constantly demands reinvention. The concept felt intentional, as if J.Lo was saying, “You may think you know me, but here’s another version.”
The choreography was intricate, tight, and hyper-modern. Her dancers, dressed in futuristic armor-like costumes, moved with her through a 23-song mashup of the year’s biggest hits, including “Squabble Up,” “Good Luck Babe!” and “Denial is a River.” It was a medley that showcased her dance chops more than her vocals — a decision that earned mixed reactions.
But perhaps the most buzzed-about moment came mid-performance, when Lopez passionately kissed not one, not two, but three of her dancers. The moment was shocking, steamy, and deliberate — and within seconds, it was all over social media.
As with many provocative moments in music award show history, Lopez’s kiss divided audiences. Some saw it as a playful nod to past controversies — most notably Madonna’s kiss with Britney Spears at the 2023 MTV VMAs. Others interpreted it as tone-deaf or attention-seeking.
Online, the kiss quickly sparked debates about sexuality, authenticity, and queer representation in pop. Some critics accused the moment of being “queerbaiting” — a term used when media teases same-sex attraction or representation for attention without meaningful follow-through.
“J.Lo kissing girls wasn’t on my bingo card,” one social media user quipped, encapsulating the confusion and surprise that rippled across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
But not everyone was critical. “Idc what people have to say. J.Lo gave me what I needed with that opening. Always a STAN!” wrote another user, capturing the sentiment of Lopez’s loyal fanbase.
Perhaps more contentious than the kiss was the fact that Lopez chose to perform a mashup of other artists’ songs, rather than her own. While the AMAs are known for celebrating the year’s biggest hits, many expected Lopez to highlight her own discography, especially given her legacy.
“It’s weird to see her dancing to a mashup of random songs that aren’t even hers,” one viewer tweeted.
It’s a fair point. Lopez has a rich catalog of chart-toppers and dance anthems, including “On the Floor,” “Waiting for Tonight,” and “Let’s Get Loud.” She could have easily crafted a medley of her own hits, celebrating her multi-decade impact on the industry.
So why didn’t she?
Some speculate it was part of the theme: celebrating the “year in music,” as Lopez herself teased before the show. Others suggest she was playing the role of host and curator, more than just a performer — choosing to highlight contemporary pop hits rather than revisit her own.
But whether intentional or not, the choice left some viewers wanting more Lopez and less of everyone else.
Despite the divided opinions, one thing few could argue with: Lopez is in incredible shape and remains an electrifying performer. Her stamina, flexibility, and command of the stage are enviable at any age — let alone 55.
“Say what you want, but I hope I can move like J.Lo does when I’m 55,” wrote one fan, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
This isn’t the first time Lopez has defied expectations around aging in entertainment. Throughout her career, she’s challenged the notion that pop stardom is a young woman’s game. From headlining the Super Bowl halftime show in 2020 to releasing charting singles and starring in major films well into her 50s, she continues to rewrite the rules.
For some, this performance was less about the songs or the controversy and more about the message: J.Lo is still here — and not going anywhere.
In an interview with USA TODAY ahead of the show, Lopez reflected on what the AMAs have meant to her career. “The American Music Awards have been such a big part of my music journey and history,” she shared. It’s not hard to see why. Over the years, Lopez has delivered some of the most talked-about AMA performances, often pushing boundaries and leaning into pop spectacle.
This year, she did more than perform — she hosted the event, taking on the dual role of emcee and entertainer. It was a full-circle moment for a woman whose career has touched nearly every corner of the entertainment industry: music, film, dance, fashion, and television.
The AMAs, created by the late Dick Clark in 1974, have long been a platform for artists to test the limits of live performance. From Prince’s gender-bending theatrics to Taylor Swift’s political statements, the show has been a breeding ground for pop culture moments that stick. Lopez clearly understood the assignment.
There’s something to be said for art that generates debate. In the age of virality, it’s not enough for a performance to be “good” — it has to spark something. Controversy, admiration, critique — anything that makes people talk, share, and react.
In that sense, Lopez’s AMAs number was a resounding success. It got people talking. Whether fans were celebrating her energy or questioning her artistic choices, she was once again at the center of a cultural moment.
That, perhaps, was the real point.
In a world where attention is currency, J.Lo remains wealthy.
As expected, the online discourse surrounding Lopez’s performance was fast, furious, and often hilarious. Memes of her kiss, her outfit, and even her robotic dance moves went viral within hours.
Some fans compared the look and theme to Black Mirror. Others made edits inserting Lopez into Marvel’s multiverse — a testament to just how vivid the staging really was.
Of course, not all reactions were positive. Some felt the performance was over-produced and underwhelming, relying more on visuals than substance.
“She’s doing too much and yet, somehow, not enough,” one user wrote — a critique that, ironically, sums up the modern music industry for many.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that Jennifer Lopez doesn’t stay quiet for long. Whether she’s launching a new beauty line, releasing an album, starring in a Netflix original, or producing reality TV, she’s constantly evolving.
This AMAs performance may have been polarizing, but it also reminded everyone that Lopez is still relevant — still pushing, still performing, still captivating.
At 55, she has nothing to prove. But clearly, she still has something to say.
Jennifer Lopez’s AMAs performance was more than just a dance number. It was a statement — about aging, artistry, fame, and femininity. It was messy, glamorous, confusing, and breathtaking — all at once.
And in a pop culture landscape where so many performances are forgettable, hers was unforgettable.
Lopez didn’t play it safe. She rarely does. And whether you loved it or hated it, you were watching. You were talking. You were feeling something.
And that’s the mark of a true pop icon.
