The Hell Was That? Jennifer Lopez Jentrified Motown And Got Her Performance Tossed Into Ashanti’s Recycle Bin

February 11, 2019

Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty

J. Lo’s Grammy Performance Gets Dragged

We didn’t want to believe it when it was announced that Jennifer Lopez would be doing a Motown tribute. Motown has a history of soul, black artistry and live singing. J. Lo, um, isn’t really the ideal fit. Of course, her performance was serviceable. Jennifer Lopez is an all-time great performer so she wasn’t going to suck. But, man, this sure was the definition of “not it.”

Lopez’s performance got universally roasted, dragged and tossed in the trash and we can’t blame anyone for their reactions.

I think a JLo Motown tribute is a slap in the face to every black female Motown artist and those of us who grew up listening to Motown knowing this was the one music we knew was ours and couldn’t be whitewashed. They just won’t let a black woman shine. Ever.

— Annie Apple (@SurvivinAmerica) February 11, 2019