Jennifer Lopez’s Electrifying 2025 AMAs Performance: A Medley of Hits and Steamy Kisses

On May 26, 2025, Jennifer Lopez, aged 55, set the stage ablaze at the 51st American Music Awards (AMAs) held at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, serving as both host and opening performer. Her six-minute opening act, a high-energy medley of 23 hit songs from 2024, captivated audiences but sparked significant buzz—and some controversy—due to her steamy on-stage kisses with backup dancers. Below is a detailed account of the performance, its impact, public reactions, and context, drawing from news reports and sentiment on X.

The Performance: A Dazzling Medley with Bold Moments

Lopez kicked off the AMAs with a futuristic, high-octane performance, donning a shimmering nude bodysuit that blended her signature style with a couture spacesuit aesthetic. The medley featured a whirlwind of 2024’s biggest hits, including:

• Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” “Squabble Up,” and “TV Off”
• Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather”
• Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso”
• Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”
• Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
• Tinashe’s “Nasty”
• Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control”
• Bruno Mars and Rosé’s “APT”
• Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!”
• Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things”

The performance, described as a “dance multiverse” filled with laser beams, pyrotechnics, and sharp choreography, began with a slowed-down rendition of Lopez’s 2012 hit “Dance Again.” She transitioned seamlessly through the medley, showcasing her stamina and iconic dance moves, including the viral TikTok dance for “APT.”

The standout moment occurred during Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” when Lopez shared passionate kisses with three backup dancers—two male and one female. The sequence began with a male dancer during “Lose Control,” followed by a female dancer with burgundy hair and latex gloves, and another male dancer in a near-kiss tease during an alternate mix of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile.” These moments, described as “steamy” and “PDA-filled,” sent shockwaves through the audience and online viewers, with cameras capturing the dimmed lights and swirling energy of the performance.

Context: Personal and Professional Comeback

Lopez’s performance came on the heels of a tumultuous personal year, following her divorce from Ben Affleck, finalized in January 2025 after two years of marriage. The kisses, particularly the female dancer’s, fueled speculation about Lopez making a bold statement post-divorce, with some fans suggesting she was embracing her single status or attempting to provoke Affleck. Her return to the AMAs, her second time hosting since 2015, was a high-profile comeback after canceling her This Is Me…Live tour in 2024 to focus on family.

Professionally, Lopez leveraged the AMAs to announce her new Las Vegas residency, Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas, set to open at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during New Year’s Eve week 2025, with additional shows in March 2026. The performance also followed a rehearsal injury, where Lopez sustained a facial wound requiring stitches, which she iced and described as “bound to happen” due to the “high-energy” choreography.

Public and Celebrity Reactions

The performance elicited a spectrum of reactions, amplified by social media and celebrity commentary:

• Tiffany Haddish’s Humorous Response: Presenter Tiffany Haddish, who is also single, quipped, “Just from that opening number alone, Jenny from the Block has got all her steps in for the day, and she got all her kisses in. Save a dancer for me, J.Lo. Damn! You ain’t the only one out here single!” Her remarks, delivered before announcing the Favorite R&B Song winner, added levity to the moment.
• Fan Praise: Many fans and critics lauded Lopez’s energy and artistry. Billboard ranked her performance as the best of the night, stating, “She set the tone for the rest of the evening, and in the end, no one could top her.” Supporters on X, like @filmfare, celebrated her ability to perform 23 songs in six minutes, calling it a masterclass in showmanship. Others praised her for embodying the AMAs’ spirit, with @lopez_updates highlighting her unmatched stage presence.
• Criticism and Backlash: A vocal segment of fans on X and online platforms slammed the kisses as “cringe-worthy” and “desperate.” The Daily Mail reported fans branding the female dancer kiss a “disgusting” attempt to emulate Jennifer Lopez or provoke Affleck, with one X user stating, “Jennifer Lopez has lost the plot.” Another post on X remarked, “You’re not Madonna,” suggesting Lopez’s bold moves were over-the-top. Some viewers expressed shock, with comments like, “Just looked up from my phone and JENNIFER LOPEZ IS KISSING A GIRL?!?!” The performance’s provocative nature led to accusations of it overshadowing the AMAs’ focus on music, with the event itself dubbed the “worst show ever” by some due to the absence of A-listers like Taylor Swift.
• Mixed Sentiment on X: Posts on X reflected polarized views. @TheListDaily noted the performance’s attention-grabbing kisses, while @MirrorCeleb repeatedly highlighted fans’ stunned and negative reactions, calling the act “disgusting.” Conversely, @Blickch acknowledged the online frustration but framed it as Lopez stealing the spotlight from award winners.

Broader AMAs Context

The 2025 AMAs, the first since 2022, aimed to revitalize the fan-voted awards show with new categories like Album, Song, and Social Song of the Year. Kendrick Lamar led with 10 nominations, followed by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey. Other performers included Janet Jackson (ICON Award recipient), Rod Stewart (Lifetime Achievement Award), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, Gloria Estefan, and Reneé Rapp. Lopez’s performance set a high-energy tone, though the event faced criticism for lacking star power and relevance compared to past years.

Critical Analysis

Lopez’s performance was a calculated blend of spectacle and provocation, aligning with her history of pushing boundaries (e.g., her 2000 Grammy VMAs performance). The kisses, while polarizing, they generated massive publicity, ensuring the AMAs dominated headlines despite the absence of major stars. The backlash, particularly around the female dancer kiss, reflects a mix of cultural conservatism and fatigue with celebrity shock tactics, as seen in comparisons to Madonna. However, Lopez’s ability to perform 23 songs in six minutes at 55, post-injury and divorce, underscores her resilience and star power, earning her critical acclaim from outlets like Billboard.

The performance’s timing, post-Affleck divorce, suggests a deliberate narrative of empowerment and liberation, though some fans interpreted it as attention-seeking. The AMAs’ return after a two-year hiatus relied heavily on Lopez’s star power, and her performance arguably succeeded in making the event memorable, even if divisive.

Conclusion

Jennifer Lopez’s 2025 AMAs opening performance was a tour de force of dance, music, and controversy, with her steamy kisses during a 23-song medley sparking both admiration and criticism. While fans praised her energy and Billboard crowned her the night’s best act, detractors on X and online platforms called the kisses “cringe” and “desperate,” reflecting polarized views on her bold choices. Set against her personal comeback and the AMAs’ revival, Lopez’s performance reaffirmed her status as a pop culture icon, unafraid to provoke and captivate. For further details, check sources like Billboard, People, or Fox News, and follow X for ongoing fan reactions.

Jennifer Lopez’s 2025 AMAs Performance: Steamy Kisses and Controversy

On May 26, 2025, Jennifer Lopez, aged 55, set the stage ablaze at the 51st American Music Awards (AMAs) held at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, serving as both host and opening performer. Her six-minute opening act, a high-energy medley of 23 hit songs from 2024, captivated audiences but sparked significant buzz—and some controversy—due to her steamy on-stage kisses with backup dancers. Below is a detailed account of the performance, its impact, public reactions, and context.

The Performance: A Dazzling Medley with Bold Moments

Lopez kicked off the AMAs with a futuristic, high-octane performance, donning a shimmering nude bodysuit that blended her signature style with a couture spacesuit aesthetic. The medley featured a whirlwind of 2024’s biggest hits, including:

• Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” “Squabble Up,” and “TV Off”
• Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather”
• Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso”
• Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”
• Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
• Tinashe’s “Nasty”
• Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control”
• Bruno Mars and Rosé’s “APT”
• Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!”
• Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things”

The performance, described as a “dance multiverse” filled with laser beams, pyrotechnics, and sharp choreography, began with a slowed-down rendition of Lopez’s 2012 hit “Dance Again.” She transitioned seamlessly through the medley, showcasing her stamina and iconic dance moves, including the viral TikTok dance for “APT.”

The standout moment occurred during Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” when Lopez shared passionate kisses with three backup dancers—two male and one female. The sequence began with a male dancer during “Lose Control,” followed by a female dancer with burgundy hair and latex gloves, and another male dancer in a near-kiss tease during an alternate mix of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile.” These moments, described as “steamy” and “PDA-filled,” sent shockwaves through the audience and online viewers, with cameras capturing the dimmed lights and swirling energy of the performance.

Context: Personal and Professional Comeback

Lopez’s performance came on the heels of a tumultuous personal year, following her divorce from Ben Affleck, finalized in January 2025 after two years of marriage. The kisses, particularly the female dancer’s, fueled speculation about Lopez making a bold statement post-divorce, with some fans suggesting she was embracing her single status or attempting to provoke Affleck. Her return to the AMAs, her second time hosting since 2015, was a high-profile comeback after canceling her This Is Me…Live tour in 2024 to focus on family.

Professionally, Lopez leveraged the AMAs to announce her new Las Vegas residency, Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas, set to open at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during New Year’s Eve week 2025, with additional shows in March 2026. The performance also followed a rehearsal injury, where Lopez sustained a facial wound requiring stitches, which she iced and described as “bound to happen” due to the “high-energy” choreography.

Public and Celebrity Reactions

The performance elicited a spectrum of reactions, amplified by social media and celebrity commentary:

• Tiffany Haddish’s Humorous Response: Presenter Tiffany Haddish, who is also single, quipped, “Just from that opening number alone, Jenny from the Block has got all her steps in for the day, and she got all her kisses in. Save a dancer for me, J.Lo. Damn! You ain’t the only one out here single!” Her remarks, delivered before announcing the Favorite R&B Song winner, added levity to the moment.
• Fan Praise: Many fans and critics lauded Lopez’s energy and artistry. Billboard ranked her performance as the best of the night, stating, “She set the tone for the rest of the evening, and in the end, no one could top her.” Supporters on X celebrated her ability to perform 23 songs in six minutes, calling it a masterclass in showmanship. Others praised her for embodying the AMAs’ spirit, highlighting her unmatched stage presence.
• Criticism and Backlash: A vocal segment of fans on X and online platforms slammed the kisses as “cringe-worthy” and “desperate.” The Daily Mail reported fans branding the female dancer kiss a “disgusting” attempt to emulate Madonna or provoke Affleck, with one X user stating, “Jennifer Lopez has lost the plot.” Another remarked, “You’re not Madonna,” suggesting Lopez’s bold moves were over-the-top. Some viewers expressed shock, with comments like, “Just looked up from my phone and JENNIFER LOPEZ IS KISSING A GIRL?!?!” The performance’s provocative nature led to accusations of it overshadowing the AMAs’ focus on music, with the event itself dubbed the “worst show ever” by some due to the absence of A-listers like Taylor Swift.
• Mixed Sentiment on X: Posts on X reflected polarized views. Some noted the performance’s attention-grabbing kisses, while others repeatedly highlighted fans’ stunned and negative reactions, calling the act “disgusting.” Conversely, others acknowledged the online frustration but framed it as Lopez stealing the spotlight from award winners.

Broader AMAs Context

The 2025 AMAs, the first since 2022, aimed to revitalize the fan-voted awards show with new categories like Album, Song, and Social Song of the Year. Kendrick Lamar led with 10 nominations, followed by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey. Other performers included Janet Jackson (ICON Award recipient), Rod Stewart (Lifetime Achievement Award), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, Gloria Estefan, and Reneé Rapp. Lopez’s performance set a high-energy tone, though the event faced criticism for lacking star power and relevance compared to past years.

Critical Analysis

Lopez’s performance was a calculated blend of spectacle and provocation, aligning with her history of pushing boundaries (e.g., her 2000 Grammy VMAs performance). The kisses generated massive publicity, ensuring the AMAs dominated headlines despite the absence of major stars. The backlash, particularly around the female dancer kiss, reflects a mix of cultural conservatism and fatigue with celebrity shock tactics, as seen in comparisons to Madonna. However, Lopez’s ability to perform 23 songs in six minutes at 55, post-injury and divorce, underscores her resilience and star power, earning her critical acclaim from outlets like Billboard.

The performance’s timing, post-Affleck divorce, suggests a deliberate narrative of empowerment and liberation, though some fans interpreted it as attention-seeking. The AMAs’ return after a two-year hiatus relied heavily on Lopez’s star power, and her performance arguably succeeded in making the event memorable, even if divisive.

Conclusion

Jennifer Lopez’s 2025 AMAs opening performance was a tour de force of dance, music, and controversy, with her steamy kisses during a 23-song medley sparking both admiration and criticism. While fans praised her energy and Billboard crowned her the night’s best act, detractors on X and online platforms called the kisses “cringe” and “desperate,” reflecting polarized views on her bold choices. Set against her personal comeback and the AMAs’ revival, Lopez’s performance reaffirmed her status as a pop culture icon, unafraid to provoke and captivate.