Jennifer Lopez makes her first major appearance since Ben Affleck divorce filing at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary special

Jennifer Lopez made her first major public appearance since filing for divorce from Ben Affleck when she appeared in a pre-recorded segment during the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special on Sunday.

The actress-singer, 55, said in the segment that she had childhood memories of watching the awards show, which inspired her on her path to international superstardom.

“It’s pretty incredible, isn’t it?” said the eternal A-lister. ‘Fifty years of the American Music Awards. I remember seeing them at home as a little girl.’

Noting how she made her debut at the American Music Awards in 2001, the Love Don’t Cost a Thing artist recalled, “It was so long ago — but the energy in the room was very electric.”

The Jenny from the Block singer filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on August 20, their two-year wedding anniversary after their lavish ceremony in Georgia in 2022.

The actress-singer said in the segment that she had childhood memories of watching the awards show, which inspired her on her path to international superstardom.

The On the Floor singer was dressed in a pink blouse during the pre-show segment.

Lopez reflected on a 2011 win in the Favorite Latin Artists category, saying it was “just a humbling experience.”

She added: “Winning a fan-voted award is incredibly special because it comes directly from the people you make the music for.”

The two-hour retrospective special aired Sunday, filling the time slot originally occupied by the 2024 AMAs, which has been pushed back to May 2025.

The long-running awards show, which premiered in 1974, will make its CBS debut after 49 years on ABC. The changes were announced in late April by Dick Clark Productions.

Lopez has performed on the AMA stage multiple times during her illustrious entertainment career.

On Thursday, the official Instagram account of the American Music Awards teased her upcoming spot with nearly a million followers.

Sharing a montage of performance clips, the caption read: “@jlo has been no stranger to the #AMAs for the past 50 years, and she returns this SUNDAY to celebrate the #AMAs50 with us on @cbstv and streaming on @ the biggest plus.’

The On the Floor singer was dressed in a pink blouse during her part of the show, adorned with gold earrings

The Jenny from the Block singer filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on August 20 – their two-year wedding anniversary following their lavish Georgia ceremony in 2022

Lopez reflected on a 2011 win in the Favorite Latin Artists category, saying it was “just a humbling experience”

Other celebrities who appeared at the anniversary celebration included Mariah Carey, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson.

Nelly, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Sheila E. were among those who put together the lineup of talent set to take the stage, which also featured Kate Hudson, Lance Bass, Samuel L. Jackson and Reba McEntire.

The broadcast featured special guests, artist interviews, special guests and never-before-seen footage from the Dick Clark Productions archive.

The segments provided a retrospective on certain artists and genres and marked award and performance milestones.

The perennial A-lister said: “Fifty years of the American Music Awards. I remember watching them at home when I was a little girl.”

The 55-year-old actress filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on August 20, their two-year wedding anniversary following their lavish ceremony in Georgia in 2022; pictured at the Grammys in February 2023

On Thursday, the official Instagram account of the American Music Awards teased Lopez’s upcoming spot with his nearly one million followers

Other celebrities set to appear at the anniversary celebration include Mariah Carey, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer performs at the 2021 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles

According to a press release, the program would “serve as a tribute to the past 50 years and feature dazzling new performances, heartfelt artist interviews, legendary special guests… and iconic moments that have defined the awards show and shaped pop culture.” ‘

Kane Brown highlighted the impact of country music with a performance of classic and contemporary hits.

Mariah Carey kicked off the 20th anniversary celebration of her album The Emancipation of Mimi, which turns 20 in April 2025.

Singer-songwriter Raye graced the stage with a rendition of James Brown’s 1966 hit It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.