The American pop star Jennifer Lopez lit up the stage in Jeddah at Grand Prix weekend, a performance that quickly viral across the social media platforms and beyond.
The event took place just around 80 kilometers from Makkah, Islam’s holiest city, stirring strong reactions among religious leaders and cultural commentators. Critics voiced concern over the nature of the show—complete with bold choreography and revealing outfits—arguing that such displays were unsuitable so close to the sacred site of the Kaaba, which has spiritual significance for the Muslims.
“Staging a glamorous pop concert near Mecca sends the wrong message,” a user posted on X. “As the guardian of Islam’s most sacred landmarks, Saudi Arabia must act with greater reverence.”
The 55-year-old performer, actress, and entrepreneur made a grand entrance at the final Formula 1 practice session on Saturday, wearing a vivid pink, zip-up catsuit and her signature high ponytail. Her Barbiecore look quickly drew media buzz and set the tone for her energetic show at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Jennifer Lopez wowed the audience with a setlist of her biggest hits, including On the Floor, Let’s Get Loud, I’m Into You, and Ain’t Your Mama. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and criticism also.
She headlined a diverse and high-profile lineup that also featured global music stars such as Usher, Major Lazer, and Peggy Gou, alongside prominent Arab performers like Marwan Pablo, Hisham Abbas, Mostafa Amar, and Hamid El-Shaeri.
The festival underscored Saudi Arabia’s ongoing plan to position itself as an entertainment hub—even as it navigates the tensions between modern spectacle and traditional values.