FACT Review: Jennifer Lopez brings the heat to Jeddah with sparkles, sequin and swagger
Saudi Arabia has been playing host to some of the biggest stars from across the world, and the Saudi Grand Prix 2025 in Jeddah this past weekend was no exception. While McLaren's Oscar Piastri burnt rubber on the track, global pop queen and Bronx-born superstar Jennifer Lopez lit up the stage as part of the after-race concert. And let's just say, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit may still be recovering from her sheer fabulousness.
Marking her first Formula 1 performance in over a decade – her last being in Singapore back in 2014 – JLo made a jaw-dropping entrance that was pure pop spectacle. Emerging from a massive, screen-covered cube like a glittering gift box come to life, she set the tone for a night of glam and grandeur. Giant LED visuals flashed across the cube in sync with pulsing beats as she kicked off the show with her hit track Booty. Strutting onto the stage in a sequined black-and-white striped suit that glittered as much the Red Sea behind her, the night was just getting started.
Jennifer Lopez's setlist was a high-octane fusion of mash-up of old-school hits and modern flair. The singer performed classics like Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and blended it with newer tracks such as Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us. She also lit up the stage with fan favourites like On the Floor, Let's Get Loud, I'm Into You and Ain't Your Mama, keeping the energy high from start to finish. Backed by a crew of elite dancers, the routines brought her iconic music videos to life. Every movement was electric, reminding the crowd that they were in the presence of a performer who's spent decades perfecting her craft.
During All I Have, Jennifer Lopez brought her backup singers to the front of the stage to engage with the audience, creating an intimate moment amid the grandeur. With the night sky twinkling above, she invited the crowd to join in and sing the chorus together. Her heartfelt connection with the people made the night even more memorable as she offered a warm, genuine thank you to her fans for welcoming her so graciously to Jeddah.
No JLo performance is complete without show-stopping outfit changes, and she delivered in true diva fashion. Paying tribute to Saudi Arabia, her standout look was a custom creation by local designer Nour Al Dhahri – first showcased at Riyadh Fashion Week – a flowing, golden-embroidered ensemble that shimmered under the lights. Each outfit change that followed was slicker than the last, with the singer transitioning mid-performance like it was just another dance move. From a dazzling red silk suit to a bedazzled New York Yankees cap worn during Jenny from the Block, every look was pure visual drama.
Throughout the performance, the stage pulsed with neon energy, shimmering visuals, and an electric atmosphere. Between the explosive strobe lights, heart-thumping beats, and fireworks launched from helicopters, the entire spectacle was unforgettable that kept the crowd on their feet and screaming for more.
From chart-toppers to red carpets, Jennifer Lopez has spent over two decades redefining what it means to be a pop icon—pioneering Latina representation in Hollywood, reshaping beauty standards, and becoming the only woman to simultaneously top the US box office and Billboard charts. And if her Jeddah performance proved anything, it's that Jenny from the Block still knows exactly how to bring the house down.
For those who missed her performance in Saudi Arabia, Jennifer Lopez is bringing her Up All Night tour to Abu Dhabi on 29 July. Tickets to see her in the capital are available now via Platinumlist and are priced from AED 295.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
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