Grammys 2019: Jennifer Lopez's Motown tribute sparks backlash as fans say it 'wasn't her performance to give'

At the 2019 Grammy Awards , Jennifer Lopez took to stage to pay a tribute to American record label Motown. With a medley of huge Motown classics, she put up a dramatic performance in a duet with Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys. The actress and singer pulled off impressive costume changes during her performance. Robinson was the founder and front man of The Miracles, the vocal group that came to define Motown’s sound. However, any Motown fans were not pleased and wondered why the Academy would honour the legendary record label with Lopez instead of a black artist, particularly during Black History Month.

Fans suggested the likes of Gladys Knight, Beyoncé, or Jennifer Hudson to do the tribute.

While talking to Variety , Robinson defended Lopez and said “Who’s stupid enough to protest Jennifer Lopez doing anything for Motown?” Motown was music for everybody. Everybody,” he repeated.