Jennifer Lopez has reflected on a memorable moment from the 2011 American Music Awards (AMAs) that has since gained its own place in pop culture. While accepting the award for Female Latin Artist, the singer mistakenly referred to her audience with the grammatically incorrect phrase “Mi gente Latino,” a slip that has now become an iconic reference. In a recent interview, Lopez revisited this incident, shedding light on how it has taken on a life of its own over the years.
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During the red carpet premiere of her new film *Office Romance* in Los Angeles, Lopez was presented with a candle featuring a screenshot of her at the AMAs. The reporter from Mitú, who handed her the candle, teasingly remarked that the world had not let her forget the phrase. Lopez responded with humour, asking if they loved her or were simply making fun of her. She expressed her fondness for her fans, saying, “I know I love you guys. I know that for sure.”
The performer shared that, at the time of the award ceremony, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. “I was like, here’s the most important… Here’s who I have to thank more than anybody,” she recalled. However, it wasn’t long before she realised the grammatical error she had made. “Oh s—, I said it wrong. Okay, no problem,” she added with a laugh.
As Lopez continues to engage with her fans, she disclosed that she was unaware the slip-up would mark its 15th anniversary this year. “I didn’t know we were counting,” she remarked, adding, “Okay, great. And it has an anniversary… It’s iconic.” This acknowledgement highlights how the phrase has resonated with audiences over the years, evolving into somewhat of a legacy for the artist.
This viral moment isn’t the first occasion Lopez has been asked about her gaffe. In a prior interview, a reporter encouragingly requested her to repeat the phrase alongside him. Lopez playfully inquired as to why the moment was so humorous, only to discover that her use of “Latino” instead of “Latina” was what had made it memorable. Growing up in New York, she reasoned that she knew the correct term in a general sense, but the excitement of the moment led to the mix-up.
“It’s such a mess,” Lopez laughed, recognising the amusing nature of the situation. The clip from the AMAs has not only persisted in public memory but has re-emerged in modern conversations, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where it has become a source of entertainment for new audiences.
Interestingly, the phrase was recently referenced by fellow artist Kali Uchis during her acceptance speech at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, where she humorously invoked the “Mi gente Latino” moment while celebrating her own achievements. This nod to Lopez serves to underline how some phrases can transcend their original context to become part of the cultural lexicon.
Lopez will soon have a new project to share with her fans as her film *Office Romance* is set to premiere on Netflix on June 5. As she embarks on this new chapter, it’s clear that the 2011 AMAs moment remains a playful reminder of her human side and the connection she shares with her audience.
Through her reflections, Lopez has turned a simple error into a moment of affectionate nostalgia, demonstrating how even the smallest slip can lead to something that resonates powerfully within popular culture. She has embraced the humorous legacy of her “Mi gente Latino” comment, showing that laughter, along with music, is a universal connector.