It turns out the iconic MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) kiss between Madonna and Britney Spears was almost very different.
Jennifer Lopez, currently making the media rounds to promote her new movie Shotgun Wedding and her new album This is Me...Now, told E! News she was asked to be part of the VMA kisses, but was unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts.
"I was filming a movie in Canada, and we had met—me, her and Britney—to do it at her home...And then, I just couldn't get off the film, and so, we couldn't do it."
Instead, another pop-star was chosen—Christina Aguilera.
You can see the E! News interview here:
Jennifer Lopez Addresses Madonna VMAs KISS Rumor | E! Newsyoutu.be
Lopez is a big fan of Madonna, even to the point of making "Like a Virgin" her go-to karoake song.
As a refresher on the VMAs viral moment, Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera did a wedding themed performance that culminated in Madonna kissing both Spears and Aguilera—dressed in white lingerie—while Madonna herself donned an outfit reminiscent of a wedding tux.
The usually blond Aguilera was noticeably brunette for the performance and perhaps this behind the scenes information explains why.
This conversation with E! News was the first time Lopez had personally confirmed what had up until now only been rumor.
Soon enough, some people had thoughts about it.
People pointed out Lopez being in the moment rather than Aguilera would have changed the entire point of the moment, which was heightened by Spears and Aguilera being set up at the time as rival pop stars.
\u201c@PopCrave @enews Jlo would have not been as iconic. It was B vs X and their predecessor. That's why it worked.\n\nAlso, she knew it was X. No reason to say someone else/I think.\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1673975393
\u201cidc if this is true, it makes no sense wrt the narrative of the era. Britney and Xtina were pop rivals and Madonna was the queen of pop they kept foisting upon Britney (even though Britney is CLEARLY a Janet disciple). Madonna/Brit and anyone else would have just been whatever\u201d— Sarah Dvojack (@Sarah Dvojack) 1674029913
\u201cWell it made more sense that it was XTINA and Britney because those 2 have more of a madonna influence in their music and were THE pop girls at the time\u201d— m (@m) 1673984340
\u201cbritney was THE it girl at the time and xtina carried the vocals, what would she have brought to the table?\u201d— james (@james) 1674033518
Some were just here for the mess.
\u201c@PopCrave @enews I choose to believe this cause Christina being a 2nd choice is funny\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1673975393
Someone asked if there was perhaps even someone else who was originally wanted in the moment.
\u201cDidn't Pink say that she was supposed to be a part of that or am I imagining things???\u201d— wl4d (@wl4d) 1673999058
Others just took the opportunity to cast shade on Lopez's career.
\u201c@PopCrave @enews almost being a part of this experience is the most iconic part of her career \ud83d\udc95 proud of her\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1673975393
\u201c@PopCrave @enews Imagine thinking 1.) That anyone cares, 2.) That anybody would\u2019ve enjoyed that, or 3.) That you are in any position to try shading Christina Aguilera when you sound like THAT. \n\nBye, girl. Keep promoting that straight to Amazon movie.\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1673975393
People did come in to defend Lopez's career and her ability to create a culturally memorable moment.
They noted she was the reason Google Images was even invented.
\u201c@swiftofthewild @PopCrave @enews Girl she created Google images with a dress alone...\nhttps://t.co/yQqigDvgsI\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1673975393
But some people decided to accuse Lopez of lying.
\u201cshe dont do nothing but lie\u201d— emancipation of a\u2077 (@emancipation of a\u2077) 1674016781
\u201cI feel like she just made that up. No shade.....\u201d— YesHomo (@YesHomo) 1673994280
Rumor, urban legend, real deal or embellishment, Lopez certainly caught a cultural moment again.
She evoked a strong memory for fans just as she was hyping her new movie, album and her upcoming Vegas residency.
No matter their opinion of Lopez, even her detractors need to give her props for her hype game.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presenting U.S. President Donald Trump with honors and gifts at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025.Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
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