Days before the 2019 Grammys that took place last night in Los Angeles, it was announced that Jennifer Lopez would be performing a tribute to Motown Records. People had all kinds of things to say on the matter, mostly questioning just why Jennifer was chosen to lead the tribute over a Black artist for the label’s 60th anniversary. 

JLo spoke with Entertainment Tonight about her performance, saying it was dedicated to her mother who played Motown hits when she was a child.  

“The thing about music is that it inspires all. Any type of music can inspire any type of artist,” she told the publication. “You can’t tell people what to love. You can’t tell people what they can and can’t do, what they should sing or not sing. You gotta do what’s in your heart.”

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The “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” singer detailed how Motown’s founder, Berry Gordon, was “thrilled” about her involvement. 

“They know how much I have been influenced by that music and so it was a natural fit for them,” she added. “But for some people, [it wasn’t], and that’s okay. I’m just very humbled and honored to be able to have sung those songs.”