Did J Lo’s AMA Performance Actually Copy Beyoncé’s 2014 Grammy Performance?

Jennifer Lopez started 2020 at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and she’s ending it at the American Music Awards. Last night, J.Lo and Maluma took the stage at the 2020 AMAs for a performance of their hits “Pa’Ti” and “Lonely.” The sensual duet immediately stole the show, but certain viewers felt that the J Lo AMA performance seemed a little too familiar. As in, “Beyoncé performing ‘Drunk in Love’ at the 2014 Grammys” familiar.

If you missed the Maluma and Jennifer Lopez AMA 2020 performance — or the Twitter backlash — we’ve got you covered. Consider this your guide to all things J.Lo, AMAs, and Beyoncé.

JENNIFER LOPEZ AMA 2020 PERFORMANCE: J LO AND MALUMA PERFORM “PA’TI” AND “LONELY”

During the first-ever socially distant American Music Awards on Sunday night, J.Lo donned a black jumpsuit and hit the stage for a sexy medley of “Pa’Ti” and “Lonely,” from her 2021 rom-com Marry Me. As smoke swirled behind her, Lopez writhed on a table and, later, strutted her stuff on a black chair. The AMA performance ended with a choreographed chair dance that showcased J.Lo’s athleticism and immense talent, lest anyone forget.

WHERE CAN I WATCH THE JLO MALUMA AMA PERFORMANCE?

Watch J.Lo and Maluma’s 2020 AMAs performance above!

WHAT’S WITH THE J LO AMA BACKLASH?

Now, this is where things get tricky. After watching J.Lo’s AMA performance, many viewers pointed out that it seemed oddly similar to Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s performance of “Drunk in Love” at the 2014 Grammys. Six years ago, the famous couple thrilled viewers with a sensual performance of their own that involved a short, slicked-back bob, a black jumpsuit, some chair choreography, and (you guessed it), plenty of smoke.

“Now why did J Lo steam Beyonce’s whole thing like that,” tweeted one user. “J Lo said gimme the drunk in love Beyoncé for this performance,” said another.

IS JENNIFER LOPEZ’S AMA PERFORMANCE 2020 REALLY THAT SIMILAR TO BEYONCÉ AT THE 2014 GRAMMYS?

J.Lo and Beyoncé’s performances do seem to share some similarities, but Broadway fans will likely recognize that the star’s “Pa’Ti/Lonely” performance is inspired by Chicago‘s “Cell Block Tango.” The performance is also a direct reference to Maluma and J.Lo’s “Lonely” music video, which features an identical chair dancing scene.

That said, if you are interested in comparing J.Lo and Beyoncé’s steamy awards show moments, check out Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 2014 Grammys performance on YouTube.