Jennifer Lopez kisses male & female dancers during AMA opening

Jennifer Lopez’s Bold Kiss at the 2025 AMAs: An Iconic Moment in Music History

Jennifer Lopez knows how to command a stage—and at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), she reminded the world why she’s still a force in entertainment. From the very first minute of the live broadcast, the global superstar kicked off the night with a boundary-pushing medley performance that included the biggest hits of the year. But what really set social media ablaze was a kiss—delivered confidently to both her male and female backup dancers—that instantly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

For fans searching for what went down at the 2025 AMAs or what J.Lo did to shock viewers, this article unpacks the full story—from the bold performance and career-defining moment to her decades-long journey that keeps her in the spotlight.

Jennifer Lopez: From Bronx Beginnings to Global Superstardom

To fully appreciate Lopez’s AMA moment, it’s important to look back at her journey from the Bronx to international acclaim. Born July 24, 1969, Jennifer Lynn Lopez first rose to fame as a dancer on In Living Color. But her breakout role came in 1997, portraying slain Tejano star Selena Quintanilla in the biopic Selena—a performance that earned her critical acclaim and cemented her status as a rising star.

By 1999, she had pivoted to music with her debut album On the 6, launching hits like “If You Had My Love.” Two years later, her sophomore album J.Lo and her film The Wedding Planner topped the charts and box office the same week—making her the first woman to accomplish that feat.

Over the years, Lopez has built an empire that spans music, film, television, fashion, and fragrance. With over 80 million records sold, chart-topping singles like “Jenny from the Block” and “On the Floor,” and blockbuster roles in Maid in Manhattan, Hustlers, and Marry Me, Lopez continues to evolve. Her businesses—ranging from her skincare line JLo Beauty to her billion-dollar fragrance brand—have generated more than $5 billion in revenue globally.

And yet, at 55, Lopez isn’t coasting on past success. Her AMA kiss proved she’s still taking risks—and winning.

J.Lo Dominates the AMAs: Inside Her Electrifying 2025 Performance

Wearing a custom crystal-studded catsuit, Jennifer Lopez opened the 2025 AMAs in classic J.Lo fashion: fierce, fluid, and unapologetically fearless. As the host and headliner, she delivered a high-octane medley featuring Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Bad Bunny’s “NUEVAYoL,” and Billie Eilish’s moody hit “Birds of a Feather.”

Her transitions between genres were seamless, and her choreography was sharper than ever. But it was during the final moments of her set—amid the flashing lights and thunderous applause—that Lopez stunned viewers by locking lips with both a male and female dancer. The audience erupted. Cameras caught celebrity reactions, and by the time the show went to its first commercial break, the moment had already gone viral.

The kiss wasn’t just for shock value—it was a statement. In a world increasingly embracing fluidity, representation, and bold expression, Lopez once again positioned herself at the cultural forefront. It was fearless, unfiltered and undeniably J.Lo.

A Legacy of Iconic AMA Moments

The American Music Awards, created by Dick Clark in 1974, have long been a stage for unforgettable performances. From Michael Jackson’s moonwalk to Beyoncé’s pregnancy reveal and Pink’s acrobatic aerials, the AMAs have delivered moments that live forever in pop culture memory.

Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to that tradition. She previously hosted the AMAs in 2015 and delivered one of the night’s most buzzed-about performances, paying tribute to the year’s biggest hits with unmatched choreography. Her return in 2025 marks a full-circle moment—this time, not only as host, but as the architect of the show’s most viral highlight.

Here are just a few other AMA milestones that live in the cultural memory:

• 1991: Mariah Carey’s soaring rendition of “Vision of Love” introduced a new vocal era.
• 2001: Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” medley served empowerment and precision choreography.
• 2013: Lady Gaga and R. Kelly’s controversial duet made headlines and sparked conversations.
• 2019: Taylor Swift’s Artist of the Decade medley became a defiant statement amid label drama.

Now, in 2025, Jennifer Lopez joins that hall of fame with a moment all her own—one that blends pop culture relevance, confidence, and intentional disruption.

Why the Kiss Matters: Representation, Risk, and Relevance

Lopez’s kiss wasn’t just a viral stunt—it symbolized the inclusive, genre-defying era we’re in. As society grows more open to expressions of fluidity, duality, and boldness, celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to challenge norms.

Lopez, a Latina trailblazer who’s navigated the entertainment industry on her own terms for over 30 years, understands the power of such moments. From her early advocacy for Latin representation to her recent work spotlighting Black and Brown women in Hollywood, J.Lo has always been about visibility. And her AMAs moment didn’t just push boundaries—it acknowledged them, played with them, and walked right through.

Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok with reactions ranging from “Queen behavior” to “J.Lo still got it!” Others praised her for not playing it safe and bringing a level of spontaneity rarely seen in tightly scripted award shows.

What’s Next for Jennifer Lopez and the AMAs?

The 2025 AMAs marked a rebirth for the show after a year-long hiatus. Now airing in May and under CBS’s new broadcast umbrella (shared with the Golden Globes), the awards aim to position themselves as a fresh contender in the changing award season landscape.

Lopez, meanwhile, is gearing up for a major year. She’s set to star in the Broadway revival of Kiss of the Spider Woman, a role that showcases both her dramatic and vocal prowess. She’s also launching a new album and continuing to build her production company, Nuyorican Productions, which is championing diverse, female-led storytelling.

If her AMAs performance is any indication, Jennifer Lopez isn’t just reflecting culture—she’s shaping it.

J.Lo’s AMA Kiss Was More Than a Moment—It Was a Movement

Jennifer Lopez didn’t just open the 2025 AMAs—she made a statement. With a performance that blended dance, global music, and a bold kiss that lit up timelines, she reminded audiences that being 55, female, and fearless is the new standard.

For fans searching “Jennifer Lopez AMA 2025 performance” or “J.Lo kiss AMAs,” this night will be remembered not just for its spectacle, but for its message. A reminder that decades in, Lopez is still commanding the culture—and doing it on her own terms.