Soul music fans aren’t thrilled that Jennifer Lopez will reportedly perform a Motown tribute at the upcoming Grammy Awards.
The backlash started Tuesday after it came to light that Lopez was chosen to honor the legendary music label at the awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 10. Many people complained that the choice is a mockery of Black History Month, given that the Dinero singer is Puerto Rican and not African-American.
“I’m going to need us to start Black History Month over again,” one fed up person tweeted. “We’ve been played and it’s only day 5.”
I’m going to need us to start Black History Month over again. We’ve been played and it’s only day 5.
— TeeByrdie (@tonjibyrd) February 5, 2019
“Why are they determined to ruin Black History Month this year?!” another person chimed in. “Every day it’s something…”
Why are they determined to ruin Black History Month this year?! Everyday it's something…
— Bärí A. Williams, Esq. (@BariAWilliams) February 5, 2019
“We can’t even be us, in our own tribute, during Black History Month,” someone else wrote. “Damn!”
We can’t even be us, in our own tribute, during Black History Month. Damn!
— LI Manhattan (@Manhattan510) February 5, 2019
Daytime talk show The Real also addressed the controversy on Wednesday. Co-host Loni Love complained: “Anytime it’s us, y’all going someplace else. There are people who can sing that are African-American and that are soul singers.”
Still, Love expressed confidence that Lopez will share the stage with another artist to ensure the performance is more authentic.
Today in #GirlChatLive: We share our thoughts on Jennifer Lopez reportedly being asked to perform Motown musical tribute at the Grammys. pic.twitter.com/FG3W4xfhnp
— The Real (@TheRealDaytime) February 6, 2019
Motown Records was founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit in the 1950s. The label introduced such trailblazing artists as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, the Supremes, and The Jackson 5.
As for Lopez, she hasn’t publicly addressed the controversy.
The Grammy Awards will air on CBS on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 8 pm ET.
