Jennifer Lopez debuted her new song 'Proof of Love' at a surprise performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday, 10 November, wearing a sheer, crystal-trimmed fishnet bodysuit. The performance soon drew criticism online, with one widely shared post suggesting the 57-year-old should 'retire gracefully'.
The replies were harsh. Critics questioned whether she was too old for such a daring look, compared her unfavourably with Madonna and Cher, and accused her of lip-syncing and leaning on autotune for the new track. The discussion is the latest in a long-running debate around Lopez's image, fashion choices and stage performances, a topic she has addressed publicly in the past.
A Daring Look at the Met
Lopez performed for guests at Bilt Town Square at The Met, a private event hosted by the rewards company Bilt. After opening with hits including 'Waiting for Tonight' and 'On the Floor', she shed a black slit dress to reveal a fishnet catsuit worn over a nude bodysuit, finished with an oversized crystal halter neckline.
It was in that look that she debuted 'Proof of Love', a track she has said was inspired by her 18-year-old twins, Max and Emme, leaving for college. The song will appear on a 15th-anniversary vinyl reissue of her 2011 album Love?.
'Time to Take Up Reading or Painting'
For some critics, the problem was the outfit at her age. 'She has a great body..... for her age.... yes, time to take up reading or painting. This is not pretty,' one wrote.
Another said: 'I think she looks amazing but at some point one needs to remember their age.' A third was blunter: 'JLo has an image of herself that no longer is in sync with reality. It is painful to watch.'
Others called the performance 'vulgar and embarrassing', with one comparing it to 'the karaoke edition of Dancing with the Stars'. Several commenters also drew comparisons with other performers. 'She is definitely not any Tina Turner who rocked it,' one wrote.
Performance Draws Questions Over Vocals
Her vocals came under scrutiny too. 'They put more work into lip-syncing, all the moves associated with it, than actually singing the song,' one viewer claimed. Another asked: 'Has she ever sung without autotune?'
Lopez has not publicly responded to those allegations. Short clips circulating on social media do not establish whether the performance was live, pre-recorded or supported by backing tracks.
Fans Push Against the Backlash
Not everyone agreed with the criticism. 'Oh come on. She's got a better figure than a lot of 20 somethings. She's 57 not 97,' one supporter replied.
Even some fans who defended Lopez suggested a different approach to styling. One said people should 'stop with the narrative older female entertainers need to retire', but added that 'she just needs a style makeover'.
Lopez has previously addressed similar criticism herself. While opening her Las Vegas residency last December, she read out the comments she had seen online, including 'Why doesn't she dress her age?', before delivering her answer.
'If you had this booty, you'd be naked too,' she told the crowd.
