
Smokey Robinson Calls Backlash Over J.Lo's Motown Tribute Performance "Stupid"
When asked about the backlash over her Motown tribute, the music icon didn't mince words.
Ahead of the 2019 Grammys, it was revealed Jennifer Lopez was taped as a performer for a Motown tribute, which ruffled a lot of feathers.
Minutes before Sunday's award ceremony (Feb. 10) Variety caught up with Motown and music icon Smokey Robinson and asked him about the backlash over J.Lo's upcoming performance.
"I don't think anyone who's intelligent is upset," the 78-year-old entertainer said, "I think anyone who's upset is stupid."
When queried about why Lopez was the right fit the performance, Robinson said simply Motown's music is universal.
"Hey man, Motown was music for everybody. Everybody! You know what I mean? So that just says Jennifer Lopez, growing up in her Hispanic neighborhood, wherever she was, loved Motown. How can we beat that? Who's stupid enough to protest Jennifer Lopez doing something for Motown?"
Moments after the performance and emotional Lopez reflected on Motown's hits and said Berry Gordy was thrilled of her participation.
Despite Robinson's defense of Lopez, many took to Twitter after the performance and offered a scorching critique.
In 1959, Berry Gordy founded Motown Records which housed some of music's biggest talents including Diana Ross, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Isley Brothers and more.