J.Lo cried during impassioned speech for Puerto Ricans at Kamala Harris rally: ‘Let’s get loud’

Jennifer Lopez stepped to the center of “the most important stage” of her life Thursday night, as she tearfully delivered an impassioned speech in support of women, Puerto Ricans, and Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign event in Las Vegas.

The 55-year-old icon spoke for nearly 13 minutes in the Nevada city, beginning her remarks by highlighting Harris’ stances in support of “the people who dream,” before turning her attention to warning Americans about the dangers of Donald Trump — particularly after his recent rally at Madison Square Garden included a stand-up set featuring what many called racist remarks from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe.

“When I started in TV and film, I could get roles playing the maid or the loud-mouth Latina, but I knew I had more to offer, and I think there are a lot of people in this country who feel the same way, who know they’re capable of more, and we all just want a chance to prove it,” Lopez told the crowd. “Elections are about choosing leaders who support that, not one who stands in the way.”

She continued, speaking directly to the Latin community in the United States.

“I believe in the power of Latinos. Where my Latinos at? I believe in the power of our community, I believe in the power of all our votes. I believe that, together, we are the difference in this election. I know that together we are the difference in this election,” she said, with one member of the audience shouting, “Jenny from the Block, I love you!” as Lopez spoke.

Lopez then turned her attention toward Hinchcliffe’s comments at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the comedian referred to Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage.”

“[Trump] reminded us who he really is and how he really feels. It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans that were offended that day, it was every Latino in this country, it was humanity and anyone of decent character,” she stated. “I’m a lover, you guys know that about me. I am a lover, I am not a fighter, I am not here to trash anyone or bring them down. I know what that can feel like, and I wouldn’t do it to my worst enemy, or even facing the biggest adversary I think, internally, America has ever had.”

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Channeling the emotion in the room as attendees cheered in support of her words, Lopez stressed, “I am an American woman, I am the daughter of Guadalupe Rodriguez and David Lopez, a proud daughter and son of Puerto Rico. I am Puerto Rican,” and reiterating that, “yes, I was born here, and we are Americans.”

Lopez also delivered a message in Spanish, before referencing her 2000 single of the same name when she told the crowd, “Let’s get loud!”

The Hustlers actress finished her speech with tears welling in her eyes as she issued one final plea to her fellow Americans.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional, but, you know what? We should be emotional, we should be upset, we should be scared and outraged. Our pain matters, we matter, you matter,” she said. “Your voice and your vote matters. Don’t be afraid to make people around you uncomfortable. Invite people around you to be the change, to go out there and vote. Nobody likes having tough conversation or talking about politics, but trust me, I’ve been in some of these rooms, I see the way power works in this country. They love it when you do nothing. A non-vote is an agreement.”

The superstar’s appearance in Las Vegas marks the latest in a growing number of high-profile supporters who’ve publicly endorsed Harris, with Beyoncé, Julia Roberts, and Taylor Swift all backing VP Harris in recent months. Other Latino stars have also publicly condemned Trump and Hinchcliffe following the Madison Square Garden controversy, namely Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, and The View cohosts Ana Navarro and Sunny Hostin.

Lopez’s appearance at the Harris event follows her 2021 performance at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, where she sang “This Land Is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful” while interpolating “Let’s Get Loud” for her set as well.

Watch a portion of Lopez’s speech above.