Jennifer Lopez made a dazzling return to the American Music Awards stage, hosting the 2025 ceremony and kicking off the event with a show-stopping opening performance. The awards, held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday, May 26, 2025, marked their comeback after a two-year hiatus. For Lopez, this was her second time emceeing the prestigious fan-voted awards, her first hosting gig being in 2015.

The 55-year-old superstar delivered a high-octane, six-minute medley that masterfully wove together an impressive 23 of the past year's biggest chart-topping hits. She commenced the spectacle with a fresh arrangement of her 2012 hit "Dance Again," performed in a shimmering nude, skin-colored, robotic-style sequinned jumpsuit. The electrifying set featured tracks such as Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us," "Squabble Up," and "TV Off"; Billie Eilish’s "Birds of a Feather"; Shaboozey’s "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"; Chappell Roan’s "Hot 2 Go"; Beyoncé’s "Texas Hold ‘Em"; Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ "Die With a Smile"; Teddy Swims’ "Lose Control"; and Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," among many others. The performance was a visual feast, complete with slick choreography, cinematic transitions, laser beams, and pyrotechnics, showcasing Lopez's signature stage presence.

However, the moment that truly set the internet ablaze occurred midway through her dynamic set. While performing to Teddy Swims’ soulful track "Lose Control," Lopez leaned in and passionately kissed a male backup dancer, immediately followed by a kiss with a female backup dancer. This unexpected and steamy sequence sent shockwaves through the live audience and ignited a flurry of reactions across social media platforms, becoming one of the night's most talked-about highlights. Viewers expressed a range of emotions, from surprise and excitement to playful confusion, solidifying the moment as instantly viral.

Despite the intensity of the performance, Lopez transitioned seamlessly into her hosting duties. Addressing the audience, she shared her enthusiasm: "I had to kick things off by turning it up to the biggest songs of the year and dancing my heart out for all of you." She also took a moment to remind everyone that the AMAs are unique as the world's largest fan-voted award show, noting that the 2025 edition saw more votes cast than ever before. Impressively, Lopez delivered this powerhouse performance just days after sustaining a nose injury during rehearsals that reportedly required stitches and "a whole lotta ice."

The performance, and particularly the on-stage kisses, garnered significant attention and commentary. Comedian Tiffany Haddish, while presenting an award, humorously referenced the moment, quipping, "Save a dancer for me, J.Lo. Damn! You ain't the only one out here single." The 2025 AMAs also celebrated other musical talents, with performances from artists like Gloria Estefan, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, and Lainey Wilson. The evening also saw Janet Jackson honored with the prestigious ICON Award and Rod Stewart receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jennifer Lopez's opening act served as a powerful testament to her enduring status as one of the industry's most formidable live entertainers and a captivating sex symbol, even at 55 and with a career spanning four decades. Fans and critics alike lauded her incredible energy, flawless execution, and ability to command the stage. The performance was widely regarded as a reminder of her significant and lasting impact on music and entertainment, setting a high bar for the rest of the awards ceremony.