Hosting the 2025 American Music Awards

Jennifer Lopez is scheduled to host the 2025 American Music Awards, which will be broadcast live nationwide on Memorial Day, Monday (May 26). She will also kick off the show with a live musical performance.

On Thursday (May 22), Lopez paused her rehearsals to speak with Billboard about her hosting and performance role. She shared an unexpected insight: “Honestly, I don’t love being a host.” Nevertheless, she is set to bring her signature passion to the role, ensuring an unforgettable performance.

We reminisced about her first appearance on the show back in 1991 as a backup dancer for New Kids on the Block, a minor slip during her 2009 performance (demonstrating her resilience by quickly recovering), and her heartfelt tribute to salsa icon Celia Cruz in 2013, which she considers one of her most cherished performances.

This year’s event will take place at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. This marks Lopez’s second time as host for the AMAs; she first helmed the show a decade ago. Additional performers at this year’s ceremony include Janet Jackson (recipient of the ICON Award), Rod Stewart (honored with a lifetime achievement award), Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp.

Here’s a look at our conversation, featuring minor edits for clarity.

The AMAs started airing when you were 4 and a half. Did you grow up watching the AMAs and the Grammys?

Absolutely.

Did those shows inspire your dreams?

Yes, they did, without a doubt. You can’t help but be captivated by those [shows], whether you’re an artist or just beginning to recognize your artistic side, drawn in by the performances and the significant moments celebrating talent. It’s incredible to see what leaves a lasting impression on you while watching TV and those awards shows. They foster belief among young artists that such achievements are attainable.

Are there specific artists from your childhood who inspired you?

I fondly remember watching with my mom, who was a huge fan of Diana Ross. I would see Diana Ross on both the AMAs and the Grammys, along with all the Motown legends. Tina Turner also made a significant impact on me.

You’re the fourth musical artist to host the AMAs solo twice, joining Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, and Pitbull. You must feel proud to be in such company.

Oh wow. Yes, I do feel honored to be among such distinguished company. That’s a great group.

I watched all 10 of your past AMAs performances recently – it certainly looks like a dream job – and you really immerse yourself in each act. You give it your all. Your songs echo, “Go hard or go home.” You embody that ethos.

I really do give it my all. I love to perform and I enjoy pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I started my journey as a dancer, so my performances naturally lean heavily towards dance; it’s part of who I am. While I am passionate about singing and acting too, I feel like I was born to dance. My mother was a dancer, and I believe I inherited that from her.

I grew up watching variety shows led by entertainers like Ann-Margret and Mitzi Gaynor. Those platforms are scarce today, with awards shows being one of the few remaining venues for such well-rounded entertainers. Almost all 10 of your AMAs performances featured high production values and showcased your significant talents.

That’s very true. As an artist, I express myself through films and my music tours. Merging these aspects is challenging, but hosting an awards show allows you to sing and dance, letting people connect with your personality and energy.

I don’t particularly enjoy hosting, to be honest. I think it’s why it’s taken me a decade to try it again. Believe it or not, I do get shy and nervous. Yet, I recall having an amazing time doing it back in [2015], and I felt it was the right time for me to give it another shot.

What stands out to you from the 1991 show when you danced behind New Kids?

Oh my goodness, that was such an exhilarating moment for me. I had been hired as a dancer before I ventured into acting, singing, and producing my own music. Being a backup dancer for New Kids was monumental for me. I was right in the center, and it was electrifying, to say the least. Being surrounded by other artists I admired made it an unforgettable experience.

You were just 21 then, during a time when awards shows attracted massive audiences.

Yes, the entire neighborhood was tuned in. They couldn’t believe it was me on stage. It was such a delightful experience. A truly memorable moment.

In 2009, while performing “Louboutins,” you had a minor fall, yet you bounced back quickly, which was impressive. Do you recall that moment?

I certainly remember it. I slipped and fell unexpectedly, but I got back up immediately. It wasn’t as dramatic as it was portrayed; although I felt a little sore for a couple of days after, the adrenaline made me not feel it much during the performance, which went smoothly overall.

During the 2013 tribute to Celia Cruz, you performed “Químbara,” “Carnaval,” and “Bemba Colorá.” Did you have a personal connection with her?

I didn’t know her very well, but I had met her and was a huge fan. When they approached me for the tribute, I instantly knew the songs I wanted to perform and how I envisioned the number. It was a magical experience, and I truly felt her energy with me. That performance is definitely one of my all-time favorites.

The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.