Jennifer Lopez Defends Her Grammys Motown Performance

Critics are questioning why Jennifer Lopez was the one to lead the Motown tribute last night at the Grammy Awards given that she’s not black — nor from Detroit. (And on Black History Month, no less.)

But the singer wasn’t having it.

“The thing about music is that it inspires all,” she said to Entertainment Tonight. “Any type of music can inspire any type of artist. You can’t tell people what to love. You can’t tell people what they can and can’t do, what they should sing or not sing. You gotta do what’s in your heart.”

J.Lo went on to say that Motown producer Berry Gordy, as well as producers of the awards show, were “thrilled” about her involvement. “They know how much I have been influenced by that music and so it was a natural fit for them.”

She said of the critics, “That’s okay. I’m just very humbled and honored to be able to have sung those songs.”