Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About the Stress of Hosting the 2025 American Music Awards: “It’s Not My Favorite Thing”

She’s danced, she’s acted, she’s sung to packed arenas—but when it comes to hosting a major awards show, Jennifer Lopez admits it’s a whole different kind of challenge. Returning as host of the 2025 American Music Awards, held May 26 at the iconic Fontainebleau Las Vegas and broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+, the 55-year-old superstar revealed that being at the helm of the AMAs isn’t as glamorous—or comfortable—as it may seem.

In a candid interview with USA Today, Lopez pulled back the curtain on her internal experience. “Believe it or not, I’m quite shy,” she confessed. “I’m a performer, so if I have a script or a song, I can do that and I love doing that. But hosting is a different thing, a different skill set. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite thing to do.” Her words reflect the internal conflict faced by even the most seasoned entertainers—excelling under the spotlight, yet feeling vulnerable in less structured settings.

This year marked Lopez’s second time hosting the AMAs—her first was a decade ago in 2015. It also represented a full-circle moment for her. Her connection to the event runs deep, stretching back to 1991 when she made her AMA debut as a backup dancer for New Kids on the Block. Since then, she has delivered nine solo performances on the AMA stage, cementing her status as a fixture of the show.

Yet, despite that legacy, the 2025 ceremony presented significant hurdles. In an interview with Billboard just days before the event, Lopez reiterated her discomfort: “I don’t love being a host, to be quite honest.” Her apprehension, it seems, stems from the unpredictable nature of live hosting—unscripted moments, off-the-cuff interactions, and the demand to carry an entire show’s rhythm and energy.

Adding to the pressure, Lopez didn’t just host—she performed. She opened the show with a dynamic six-minute dance medley featuring 23 of her biggest hits and managed a stunning eight wardrobe changes throughout the evening. Behind the scenes, the stress was compounded by a rehearsal injury that required stitches after a nose injury, as reported by Billboard.

The contrast between her effortless showmanship on stage and her backstage nerves paints a more human portrait of the global icon. While fans and media outlets praised her electrifying performance and impeccable style, Lopez’s honesty about her discomfort adds a layer of authenticity to her polished public image.

Ultimately, Lopez’s AMA hosting gig underscores a powerful truth: even the most confident performers grapple with doubt in unfamiliar territory. For J.Lo, dancing and singing are second nature—but hosting? That’s another kind of spotlight. And she’s brave enough to admit it.