With 34 years of unforgettable performances, J.Lo’s relationship with the American Music Awards is a true legacy in motion.
If it feels like Jennifer Lopez has always had a presence at the American Music Awards, that’s because she has. Her AMA journey began in 1991, when a then-21-year-old J.Lo took the stage as a backup dancer for the New Kids on the Block. Since then, she’s gone from the background to center stage — and she’s never looked back.
In 2001, she returned to the show not as a dancer, but as a star, opening the night with a show-stopping performance. By 2015, she was hosting the entire ceremony, and this year, on May 26, she returns once again — making history as only the fourth solo host to appear twice on the AMA stage, joining the ranks of Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, and Pitbull.
This year, J.Lo will pull double duty — hosting and performing — at a revamped AMAs that will broadcast for the first time on CBS from the glamorous Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
From the wings to the spotlight
J.Lo has delivered countless unforgettable AMA moments, with iconic collaborations featuring Pitbull, will.i.am, Iggy Azalea, and Maluma, and emotional tributes like her dazzling salute to Celia Cruz. Her presence at the awards has always brought heat, precision, and that unmistakable Lopez flair.
Here’s a look back at 10 defining J.Lo AMA moments that have kept her in the cultural spotlight:
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1991 – New Kids on the Block
Wearing her iconic Fly Girl look, she danced backup for “Games” — a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but history was in the making. -
2001 – “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”
Her breakout AMA moment. With the Eiffel Tower behind her, J.Lo lit up the stage — abs and all. -
2009 – “Louboutins”
She slipped mid-performance — and bounced back like a boss, turning a misstep into a masterclass in professionalism. -
2011 – Pitbull & will.i.am collabs
A high-octane medley of “Until It Beats No More,” “Papi,” and “On the Floor,” followed by an explosive turn with will.i.am on “T.H.E.” -
2013 – Tribute to Celia Cruz
An emotional, dance-filled homage to the queen of salsa, filled with love and Latin pride. -
2014 – “Booty” with Iggy Azalea
Flirty, fiery, and unapologetically fun — featuring a cheeky “booty call” moment on a phone-themed set. -
2015 – Host and headline dancer
She didn’t just host — she set the tone for the entire night with a medley of the year’s biggest hits, from “Uptown Funk” to “Hotline Bling.” -
2018 – “Limitless” from Second Act
A cinematic ballad turned empowerment anthem that showed her emotional depth and vocal range. -
2020 – “Pa’ Ti” & “Lonely” with Maluma
A steamy bilingual duet that brought the Marry Me movie soundtrack to life with sultry chemistry. -
2021 – “On My Way”
A raw, heartfelt performance featuring footage from Marry Me, reminding fans she’s as much about soul as spectacle.
Back again — and still raising the bar
J.Lo’s return as both host and performer feels less like a comeback and more like a full-circle celebration. She’s not just part of AMA history — she helps define it.
