Jennifer Lopez is under scrutiny after her performance during the American Music Awards on Sunday for similarities to a 2014 Beyoncé Grammys appearance.
The critics pointed to several familiar sights as the duo performed their hits, "Pa' Ti" and "Lonely."
Part of the criticism was targeted towards Lopez's outfit, a black body suit which resembled what Beyoncé wore when she sang "Drunk In Love" at the Grammys. The 51-year-old singer also faced criticism for familiar-looking dance moves and stage lighting as well as her short, wet-looking hairstyle.
Although Beyoncé's performance featured more elaborate lighting effects, including heavy use of flashing lights and smoke, Lopez's act also showcased some of the same ideas. In a similar manner as Beyoncé, the pop singer also pulled out a chair to perform her dance moves, some of which, including the part where she seductively tilted her head to face the crowd, drew comparison to Beyoncé's 2014 performance.
Jennifer Lopez always stealing a Beyoncé look.
This time, the wet dog hair look from her "Drunk in Love" performance at the Grammy's. #AMAs
pic.twitter.com/QQZbSeD0wR— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) November 23, 2020
While some enjoyed Lopez's performance, the singer's critics couldn't help rolling their eyes.
Jennifer Lopez totally copied that look from Beyonce #AMAs
pic.twitter.com/24TMpOppQU— Mercedes???? (@intoshrub) November 23, 2020
One person described Sunday's AMA performance as a "mix and match" stolen from Beyoncé.
Why does Jennifer Lopez keep looking like she took different pieces of Beyoncé’s visuals and she playing mix and match
— WAPmaster General (@AYO_Ricky) November 23, 2020
Some fans of Lopez also admitted that the performance looked too similar.
Ya know i love Jennifer Lopez but her outfit reminds me alot of Beyonce's Drunk in Love Grammy performance.
— |ťřåçķ 11????| BLM✊????| (@jamess_joint) November 23, 2020
Several social media users said this isn't the first time Lopez faced criticism for seemingly stealing somebody's work.
Jennifer Lopez has not done an original thing her whole career. Ever since her career began, she has stolen time and time again from black women with no remorse, including Ashanti to now Beyoncé. She has no dignity or integrity. Also that green dress is tired and ugly.
— chanel purple ???? (@needchase) November 23, 2020
The Beyhive came out with the receipts to prove the point.
Before y'all start, this has been documented for years. pic.twitter.com/2gXGnXR50Q
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) November 23, 2020
There were also a handful of Lopez's fans who came to her defense.
I mean the wet/ramen noodle hair look been around longer than both Beyoncé and jlo but ok….
— Justin Stewart (@ProducerStewart) November 23, 2020
As the buzz continued on social media, some flipped the accusation on Beyoncé.
Ernest don’t go there!! I can give you receipts of how many times Beyoncé Knowls copied The Jennifer Lopez!! Stop the hate!! Your behavior is similar to high school drama ????????♀️
— Nova Quinn (@NovaQuinn_3375) November 23, 2020
J.Lo's supporters said the artist's performance was inspired by Cellblock Tango scene from Chicago.
I feel bad for you…. imagine not knowing JLo showed love to the iconic Cellblock Tango scene from Chicago and y’all over here crying saying she tried to copy Beyoncé ???? the ignorance pic.twitter.com/yc04zfhmTl
— IZEMtv (@IZExMtv) November 23, 2020
According to The Things, Lopez has previously been accused of stealing ideas from Ashanti and Mariah Carey. The Latina star faced more backlash earlier this year when it became clear that she used another singer for the chorus of her 2005 hit, "Get Right." According to The Independent, the popular “We can get right, get right” line was sung by a background singer named Y’Anna Crawley.
As Blavity previously reported, the Hustlers actress was also shamed earlier this year when she wore a t-shirt with the words "Bronx Girl Magic." Social media users came together after seeing the shirt and reminded the actress to stay in her lane.
????????✨ #BronxGirlMagic ✨???????? pic.twitter.com/Ydfgk328CJ
— jlo (@JLo) January 30, 2020
Lopez reflected on 2020 when she accepted the Icon Award at the E! People's Choice Awards last week, CNN reported.
"Oh, my God 2020 man, 2020 was no joke, right," she said. "I mean, before 2020 we were obsessing about winning this award, getting nominated for that award, we were caught up on who sold the most records or who had the biggest box office opening or crazy stuff. This year was the great leveler. It showed us what mattered, what didn't and for me, reinforced what matters most, people."
The singer and actress also talked about the challenges of finding success in the entertainment industry as a Latina and a woman.
"We have to sometimes work twice as hard to get the opportunity," she said. "Sometimes my big dreams and my ambitions made the people around me nervous people would say you're a dancer, you can't be an actress. The more they said I couldn't, the more I knew that I had to. So now here I stand, so very grateful, knowing that the true measure of my success is not in box office numbers or records sold but from the love that I feel from all of you and yes, I feel it."