Jennifer Lopez was the recipient of the 2018 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. The multi-hyphenate received the honor at the show, held at Radio City Music Hall on Monday (Aug. 20).
Shawn Mendes presented the “Dinero” singer with the honor, where she thanked her fans, her music family, Benny Medina, her boyfriend Alex Rodriguez and more for their support throughout the years.
“I would not be here if it was not for you,” she said to Medina, who has helped her career for more than 20 years.
In her speech, she also discussed what it’s like to defy the odds as a multi-hyphenate.
“I was always a person who was like…why not?” she said. “So, I kinda had to forge my own path and make my own rules…I liked it that way for a while.”
She also thanked her twin children, Max and Emme, for being the reason she works so hard.
“The future is so much brighter than anything I could have accomplished because of you,” she said.
Of course, her speech was preceded by a rousing performance, featuring a medley of some of her biggest hits. In the performance, J. Lo sang along to her hits such as “Waiting For Tonight” and “On The Floor,” while hovering above the stage and dancing with a bevy of talented male dancers.
Of course, the former Fly Girl got her groove on and danced along with performers to “Dance Again,” “Booty,” “Ain’t Your Mama,” and “Love Don’t Cost A Thing.” Jenny from the Block also represented her hometown of the Bronx with a subway-inspired dance break, which featured collaborators Ja Rule and DJ Khaled.
The Video Vanguard honor was given to music superstars such as Beyonce, Rihanna and Kanye West in the past.
Watch J. Lo’s performance and acceptance speech below.
READ MORE: Jennifer Lopez Named MTV VMA’s 2018 Video Vanguard Recipient