Jennifer Lopez set the stage on fire as she opened the 2025 American Music Awards at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on May 26 with a dazzling performance. The ‘Jenny from the Block’ star launched the evening with a high-energy medley of last year’s top hits. Fans of the 55-year-old pop icon were taken aback. She passionately locked lips with her dancers during the 51st edition of the awards show. The most talked-about moment came during her performance of Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things, where Lopez shared steamy kisses with not just one, but two dancers, stealing the spotlight. 

The biggest surprise and the buzz of the night was when Lopez kissed two backup dancers on stage. Such a huge moment drew comparisons to Madonna’s epic 2003 VMAs kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. JLo was lauded by some fans for a bold performance. While others clamored against it due to JLo’s age and that it was inappropriate. Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren described it as an “embarrassing cry for attention.”

Some who had mixed feelings about the incident applauded Lopez’s ageless energy and stage presence; in a humorous take, Tiffany Haddish said, “Save a dancer for me, damn!” 

There were talks of unoriginality following her performance, whereby some accused her of just copying Beyoncé’s performance in the past. But her fans came out for her, asserting her uniqueness and contribution to the entertainment industry.

And with the AMAs making their return after a two-year break, JLo ensured the night would be unforgettable. And whether credited as empowering or controversial, Jennifer Lopez has again proved that she can hold anything down in front of an audience and stir up conversations.