Jennifer Lopez is once again addressing her absence from the 2003 VMAs, where she was supposed to perform with Madonna and Britney Spears in one of the most memorable performances in MTV Video Music Awards history.
Speaking on the Watch What Happens Live podcast with Andy Cohen, the On the Floor hitmaker revealed that she was originally part of the lineup and had already rehearsed for the performance.
However, she was forced to withdraw as she was working on the 2004 film, Shall We Dance.
“I was working on a movie, ‘Shall We Dance,’ at the same time, and they just wouldn’t let me out of the movie.”
According to Jennifer Lopez, she spent time preparing with Madonna and Britney Spears and even visited Madonna’s home for rehearsals. She also revealed that they were set to sing a steamy medley performance of Like a Virgin, but her role ultimately went to Christina Aguilera.
“We rehearsed and everything. It was me, her, and Britney. She was playing her guitar, and we were singing.”
She continued to explain that the producers of Shall We Dance were okay with her coming to the rehearsals on weekends; however, they did not allow her to leave the movie set for the purpose of attending the awards ceremony.
Jennifer Lopez reveals she wasn’t aware of the 2003 VMAs onstage kiss
Jennifer Lopez further said that Madonna had discussed ideas for the stage production in advance, including a wedding-themed concept.
The 2003 VMAs number became memorable for its onstage kiss, but the Office Romance star apparently didn’t specifically rehearse the smooch.
“But [Madonna] said that that’s what she wanted to do. It was a thing, like, ‘We’re going to get married, I’m going to be the groom, you guys are going to sing.’ I was the one who was going to come out first and sing ‘Like a Virgin.'”
This isn’t the first time Jennifer Lopez has opened up about sitting out of the infamous VMAs performance.
In January 2023, after confirming that she was initially part of the notable lineup, she revealed the reason why she couldn’t make it.
“I was filming a movie in Canada, and we had met—me, her and Britney—to do it at her home. And then, I just couldn’t get off the film, and so, we couldn’t do it.”
Despite dropping out of the roster, Jennifer Lopez remained a fan of the “Queen of Pop.”
“We had talked about it. I love Madonna. I’m a huge fan. I always have been.”
Meanwhile, Madonna recently held a surprise pop-up performance in Times Square in New York City, kicking off Pride Month. She performed a total of six tracks, including her new single and collaborative track with Sabrina Carpenter, Love Sensation.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino