Sometimes at award shows the producers will select the strangest individuals to honor someone or do a tribute.
It happened when Madonna was asked to speak about Aretha Franklin at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards after the legendary singer passed away. Many were confused about why Madonna was chosen, since there was no obvious connection between her and Aretha.
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Plus, Madonna rambled on about her own career during the speech, which confirmed people’s concerns that she wasn’t the right person for the job.
Now people are scratching their collective heads because Jennifer Lopez was picked to honor Motown at the 61st Grammy Awards for the label’s 60th anniversary. And just like Madonna honoring Aretha, many asked why?
Mainly because Lopez isn’t known as a belt-it-out kind of singer like many of the Motown artists were, plus, the label produced some of the most famous Black musicians of all time, yet a Black person wasn’t asked to do the tribute. But for now, there’s no word on whether Lopez is going at it alone or if other singers will join her on stage.
“Tribute who? With what voice,” someone tweeted on Tuesday, Feb. 5.
“There are sooo many living Motown legends and soul singers who can do it justice. C’mon now,” wrote another.
“I’m going to need us to start Black History Month over again,” a third person commented. “We’ve been played and it’s only day 5.”
People also took to the Grammys’ Instagram page and called the Lopez choice disrespectful.
“Wtf Grammys ?!?” one person wrote. “Why didn’t you ask Beyoncé to do Motown Tribute??? Or somebody that actually has ‘Motown Sound’ NOT NO @jlo TF.”
The 61 Grammy Awards, which will be hosted by Alicia Keys, airs on Sunday, Feb. 10, and will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Some of the performers include Cardi B, as well as Janelle Monáe.
Cardi is also nominated for Best Rap Performance for her cut “Be Careful,” along with Drake‘s “Nice For What.” The Bronx rapper’s song “I Like it” is also competing with Drizzy’s “God’s Plan” in the Record of the Year category.
