Jennifer Lopez’s opening performance at this year’s American Music Awards didn’t just light up the stage—it set off a wildfire of online chatter, leaving viewers debating whether her surprising onstage kisses were a daring artistic statement or a calculated move for attention.
Some applauded her fearless expression, while others questioned if the moment was more about sparking controversy than genuine empowerment.
At 55, J.Lo kicked off the AMAs with an electrifying six-minute medley that zipped through 23 of her biggest hits, proving once again why she’s a mainstay in pop culture.
But it wasn’t her impeccable dance moves or powerhouse vocals that dominated the conversation—it was the unexpected kisses she planted on three of her backup dancers that caught everyone off guard.
Dressed in a futuristic circuit-patterned bodysuit, Lopez radiated confidence and energy. The kisses came during a slower, sultrier segment set to Teddy Swims’ soulful ballad “Lose Control,” adding an intimate, sensual layer to an otherwise high-octane performance. Audience reactions varied—Tiffany Haddish, clearly surprised, joked backstage, “She’s kissing everybody!”
The internet erupted with opinions. Many shrugged off the fuss: “What’s the big deal? I honestly don’t see why people are making a fuss.” Others, however, weren’t as forgiving. “This isn’t what the younger crowd wants. It feels embarrassing,” remarked one critic.
Some expressed concern for Lopez’s teenage children, wondering about the impact of seeing such moments replayed endlessly on social media. “I support women living their truth, but does she think about what her kids are watching?” asked a worried viewer.
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Fans who enjoyed the choreography admitted the kisses felt unnecessary. “Her moves were fire, but the kissing? It felt forced,” shared one follower.
Criticism ranged from mildly disappointed to outright harsh. “She’s getting desperate trying to stay relevant,” wrote one. Another added with biting sarcasm, “So edgy, wow.”
More severe backlash emerged as well: “Really a new low,” one user stated bluntly. “She should be embarrassed to put on such a show,” said another, while someone else confessed, “Thank God I missed that awkward moment.”
In the end, Jennifer Lopez’s bold AMAs debut left no one indifferent. Her unstoppable energy and impressive medley reaffirmed her star power, yet those unexpected kisses divided opinion sharply—splitting viewers between those who champion her unapologetic self-expression and those who question the timing and taste. Love it or hate it, J.Lo once again demonstrated her knack for commanding attention and sparking conversation, proving that even decades into her career, she remains a formidable force in entertainment.