Jennifer Lopez's Bold AMAs Performance Includes Onstage Kiss With Backup Dancers

Jennifer Lopez opened the American Music Awards with a high-powered performance that combined choreography, visual storytelling, and a striking medley of recent hit songs.

Jennifer Lopez set the tone for this year's American Music Awards with a high-energy opening performance that highlighted her signature stage presence. As the evening's host, she began with her 2012 hit "Dance Again," followed by a dynamic medley of popular tracks.

The setlist included Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," Shaboozey's "A Bar Song," "Apt." by Rosé and Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan's "Hot to Go!," Billie Eilish's "Birds of a Feather," Beyoncé’s chart-topping "Texas Hold ’Em," Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' duet "Die With a Smile," and "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims, among others.

Partway through the routine, Lopez kissed one of her male backup dancers. A female dancer then approached and kissed her as well. Toward the end of the sequence, another dancer wearing a magenta wig spun toward Lopez, their faces nearly touching—adding to the theatrical narrative of the piece.

Later, Lopez explained the intention behind the moment. "You know me," she said with a smile. "It was fun. There was a whole narrative to the whole performance but it was beautiful," the "Jenny From the Block" singer explained.

"It's always about love, it's always about finding your way and remembering who you are," she added. To JLo, her performance wasn't just a form of entertainment, but a narrative piece that told a deeper story.

The performance was among several musical highlights of the night. Other featured acts included Benson Boone, Gwen Stefani, and Janet Jackson, each delivering their own unique contributions to the awards show.