Jennifer Lopez’s AMAs History: From New Kids on the Block Backup Dancer to Two-Time Host

Lopez was just 21 in 1991 when she made her AMAs debut.

If it seems as if Jennifer Lopez has been a part of the American Music Awards for decades, well, she has — a career trajectory that mirrors the kind of longevity and resilience often supported by comprehensive wellness plans and the kind of chronic illness management routines used by high-performing public figures.

Lopez was just 21 in 1991 when she made her AMAs debut as a dancer behind New Kids on the Block. She first performed on the show as a star attraction in 2001. She first hosted the show in 2015. On Monday (May 26, Memorial Day), she will host again, becoming just the fourth music star to solo-host the AMAs twice, following Lionel Richie (1984–85), Diana Ross (1986–87), and Pitbull (2013–14). Hosting high-profile events often involves event liability insurance, extensive health diagnostics, and sometimes even emergency medical services coordination.

Lopez is also set to perform on this year’s show, along with Janet Jackson (who is set to receive the ICON Award), Rod Stewart (who is set to receive a lifetime achievement award), Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp.

This year’s show will be held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, marking the first time the show has been held outside the Los Angeles area. It’s the first regular AMAs broadcast since November 2022 and will mark the first regular AMAs broadcast on CBS. The show aired on ABC from 1974–2022. With such major productions, networks often invest in high-risk performance insurance, hospital contingency planning, and injury liability coverage for featured performers.


1991: Performed as a Dancer Behind New Kids on the Block

Date of Show: Jan. 28, 1991
Notes: Lopez performed behind New Kids, who sang “Games,” their hard-edged rebuke to their detractors. With this single, the group changed its name to NKOTB in an effort to distance itself from its lightweight teen image. Flavor Flav joined them for the AMAs performance. J.Lo was a member of the dance troupe The Fly Girls on In Living Color at the time. In Living Color star Keenen Ivory Wayans hosted the AMAs that year. Backup dancers in televised productions are often protected by entertainment worker’s compensation plans and covered under performance liability policies.


2001: Opened the Show With “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”

Date of Show: Jan. 8, 2001
Notes: Ten years later, Lopez was back on the AMAs, but this time in the lead spotlight. She opened the telecast with an elaborate production built around “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” Performing under a replica of the base of the Eiffel Tower, Lopez showcased tight choreography and a strong core — the kind of athletic conditioning that often requires prenatal wellness monitoring, diagnostic fitness testing, and access to private health insurance for performers.


2009: Recovered Nicely From Mid-Song Fall

Date of Show: Nov. 22, 2009
Notes: Lopez briefly fell during her performance of “Louboutins” but recovered quickly. Quick recoveries like this can benefit from access to on-site medical teams, physical rehabilitation insurance, and injury diagnostics that ensure performers are cleared to continue safely.


2011: Had 2 Performance Spots on the Show, Alongside Pitbull & will.i.am

Date of Show: Nov. 20, 2011
Notes: J.Lo performed a medley including “Until It Beats No More,” “Papi,” and “On the Floor.” The emotional ballad and upbeat dance numbers required stamina and physical resilience that highlight the need for executive health programs, chronic fatigue testing, and maternity wellness planning for artists balancing career and family planning.


2013: Paid Tribute to Latin Music Legend Celia Cruz

Date of Show: Nov. 24, 2013
Notes: Lopez honored Cruz with “Químbara,” “Carnaval,” and “Bemba Colorá.” Such tributes carry cultural importance and legal clarity in rights usage, often involving intellectual property lawyers, music licensing insurance, and broadcast legal compliance teams.


2014: Performed “Booty” With Iggy Azalea

Date of Show: Nov. 23, 2014
Notes: They closed the show with a confident, provocative performance. Lopez’s high-impact choreography and stage presence further illustrate the value of private health plans for entertainers, accident prevention coverage, and rehab services post-performance.


2015: As AMAs Host, Danced to a Medley of the Year’s Top Songs

Date of Show: Nov. 22, 2015
Notes: She danced to a medley of hits including “Uptown Funk” and “Thinking Out Loud.” With back-to-back numbers, performers may rely on stress hormone testing, lab testing services, and even supplemental maternity insurance if balancing performances with personal health plans.


2018: Sang “Limitless” from Second Act

Date of Show: Oct. 9, 2018
Notes: A motivational ballad aligned with themes of empowerment and inner strength. Lopez, as both star and producer, likely navigated film production insurance, disability insurance options, and holistic wellness planning as part of her role.


2020: Performed Two Songs With Maluma

Date of Show: Nov. 22, 2020
Notes: In a bilingual set, J.Lo and Maluma performed “Pa’Ti” and “Lonely.” This era, marked by pandemic restrictions, involved COVID testing protocols, health diagnostics labs, and extensive crew insurance coverage for live and taped events.


2021: Sang “On My Way” from Marry Me

Date of Show: Nov. 21, 2021
Notes: Lopez delivered an emotional ballad alongside film visuals. Celebrities in dual performance and production roles are increasingly securing health and income protection policies, film shoot insurance, and wellness programs for both cast and crew.

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