Drum roll please… and the 2020 People’s Icon is Jennifer “Jenny from the Block” Lopez!
The E! People’s Choice Awards took place on Sunday and J.Lo took the stage to receive the People’s Icon Award in a stunning red dress.
J.Lo was honored for her work as an artist, dancer, actress, and for opening the door for more LatinX representation in the entertainment industry. She has been very successful, from starring as Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the 1997 film to the iconic Versace green dress to her role in the 2019 “Hustlers” movie and her 2020 Half-time Super Bowl performance.
As J.Lo received her award on stage, she was surprised with a virtual message from Nicole Kidman and Renne Zellweger.
Moments later, Emme and Max, Lopez’s 12-year-old twins appeared on the screen to congratulate their mom and stayed on the screen as support during J.Lo’s acceptance speech.
“Man, 2020 was no joke right? I mean before 2020 we were obsessing about winning this award or getting nominated for that award or we were caught up in who sold the most records or box office opening or crazy stuff like did we get the latest drop or the newest sneakers before anybody else. But not this year. This year was the great leveler,” Lopez told the audience as she began her speech.
“It showed us what mattered, what didn’t. And for me, reinforced what mattered most: People, all of us, together,” Lopez said and took a pause as the audience applauded.
“Helping each other, loving each other, being kind to each other. And the importance of that connection, that human touch. I realized that’s what I strive for in everything I do. To reach people, to touch people. I believe that’s what we all want, those shared experiences to know that we’re not in this alone.”
The artist thanked her fans, family, and friends for having faith and believing in her even when she did not feel motivated.
“You know I approach my career the same way I approach my life. I lead with life, I feel with my heart and I always try to speak truth in telling stories, singing songs. I do so with the purpose of bringing a little happiness, creating beauty and inspiring others to do the same. From being a little girl in the Bronx, New York, and having the privilege of performing on some of the biggest stages in the world, and even at the Super Bowl earlier this year, that was a biggie! I have seen and learned a lot and I am still learning. I want to thank you and tell you how much I appreciate you for letting me do that in front of you for all of these years,” she said.
J.Lo went on to speak about the struggles and doubts she faced as a woman and a Latina and gave an inspiring message to young girls.
“As a Latina and as a woman, we have to work twice as hard to get the opportunities, sometimes my big dreams and my ambitions, it made the people around me nervous. ‘You can’t be an actress. You’re an actress, what you want to sing? You’re an artist, you won’t be taken seriously as a businesswoman.’ The more that 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,” a teary J.Lo said.
“The true measure is inspiring girls in all ages and all colors, from all over the world, to know you can do whatever want, as many things as you want and to be proud of who you are no matter where you come from. I want them to know your dreams are limited only by your imagination, determination and their willingness to never give up. If I have touched you or them in any small way, then this is the greatest award I could ever receive. I accept this award with great humility and gratitude, and hope we can begin to heal as a country and stand together united and proud, and in harmony,” she said.
At the end of the speech, she gave a message to the Latino community in Spanish.
“Y a mi gente Latina a donde quiera que yo esté y donde quiera que yo vaya siempre los tengo presente. Y es para mi un orgullo poder representar a los Latinos de todas partes. Con todo mi corazón y con todo mi amor gracias mi gente los quiero mucho y recuerden la vida es un tango y hay que seguir bailando siempre,” Lopez said before leaving the stage.
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