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Jennifer Lopez addresses critics of her Grammy Motown tribute: You can’t tell people what they can and can’t do

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Monty Brinton/CBSJennifer Lopez isn’t allowing her detractors to steal the shine from her epic Grammys moment, which saw her paying tribute to Motown Records by performing a medley of songs released on the iconic label.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight shortly after the tribute, the Bronx-bred entertainer got emotional as she shared the significance behind her dynamic performance. 

“It was for my mom. I could cry. It’s such a good moment,” Lopez said candidly, explaining that she was raised listening to Motown hits. “It’s just a dream come true.”

As previously reported, when J-Lo’s participation in the tribute became public, Black Twitter voiced its disapproval.  But the entertainer says just because she’s Latina doesn’t mean that Motown didn’t have a huge impact on her.

“The thing about music is that it inspires all,” Lopez told ET on Sunday. “Any type of music can inspire any type of artist.”

She added, “You can’t tell people what to love. You can’t tell people what they can and can’t do, what they should sing or not sing. You gotta do what’s in your heart.”

The 49-year-old also noted that no less an authority than Motown founder Berry Gordy was “so thrilled” by her involvement in the tribute, which also featured Motown legend Smokey RobinsonNe-Yo and Grammy host Alicia Keys.

“They know how much I have been influenced by that music and so it was a natural fit for them,” Lopez said. “But for some people, [it wasn’t], and that’s okay. I’m just very humbled and honored to be able to have sung those songs.”

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