Jennifer Lopez’s AMAs Prep Took a Painful Turn — Here’s What Almost Stopped Her Performance

Jennifer Lopez has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and her preparation for the 2025 American Music Awards proved no exception. Just days ahead of her much-anticipated return as host and performer, the global superstar revealed she suffered a nose injury during a high-octane rehearsal — but true to form, Lopez is taking it all in stride.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lopez, 55, shared details about the mishap that left her with stitches across the bridge of her nose. “I hurt my nose. I hit it in rehearsal and I had to get stitches. It was fine,” Lopez said, unfazed by the setback. “A few of us have gotten hurt in rehearsals. We’re doing a very high-energy athletic number so it’s, I guess, bound to happen.”

The injury was no secret to her fans; Lopez posted photos on Instagram showing the cut and later, a smiling selfie with her doctor. “Thank you for stitching me up Dr. Diamond. A week later and a whole lotta ice, I’m good as new,” she wrote, putting to rest any concerns about her readiness for showtime.

J.Lo’s resilience is matched only by her excitement. Teasing a behind-the-scenes glimpse at her AMAs routine, Lopez shared black-and-white rehearsal shots on social media, captioned, “It takes a village. DANCE AGAIN,” nodding to her 2012 hit with Pitbull. The photos showed the singer beaming with her dancers, undeterred by her injury and ready to electrify the stage.

Her return to the AMAs — where she previously hosted in 2015 — is especially meaningful. “I’ve been part of this award show for so long and being part of the American music scene for so many years now, and I can’t believe how many times I’ve actually performed on the American Music Awards. I think it’s 10 times! Something crazy,” Lopez reflected. “We were just looking at one of my very first performances the other day… It feels all like it was yesterday.”

With an all-star lineup set to join her, including Becky G, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, and Janet Jackson (recipient of the ICON Award), the 2025 AMAs are shaping up to be a landmark event. And if J.Lo has proven anything, it’s that not even a nose injury can slow her down.

Catch Jennifer Lopez and the rest of the star-studded roster when the American Music Awards air live from Las Vegas on Monday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.