Jennifer Lopez delivers moving speech to inspire 'girls of all ages and all colors' at People's Choice Awards

Jennifer Lopez gave a moving speech at the E! People's Choice Awards Sunday night after being honored as the People's Icon of 2020.

"This year was the great leveler," said Lopez. "It showed us what mattered, what didn't, and for me, reinforced what matters most – people. All of us." Lopez went on to explain the importance of human connection and touch, and to always remember that "we are not in this alone."

Lopez also thanked the fans for allowing her to perform in front of them for all of these years, especially "as a Latina woman."

"We have to sometimes work twice as hard to get the opportunity," Lopez explained. "Sometimes my big dreams, and my ambitions, it made the people around me nervous. You know, people would say, 'You're a dancer, you can't be an actress. You're an actress, what, you want to sing? You're an artist, you won't be taken seriously as a businesswoman.'"

Lopez continued, saying, "The more that they said I couldn't, the more that I knew that I had to. So, now, here I stand, so very grateful, knowing that the true measure of my success is not in box office numbers or records sold, but from the love that I feel from all of you."

Finally, Lopez shared, "The true measure is in inspiring girls of all ages and of all colors from all around the world to know that you can be anything you want, and do as many things as you want. And to be proud of who you are no matter where you come from. I want them to know their dreams are limited only by their imagination and determination and their willingness to never give up. If I have touched you or them in any small way, then this is the greatest award I could ever receive. I accept this award with great humility and gratitude and with the hope that we can begin to heal as a country and stand together united and proud and in harmony."

Other notable awards included Tracee Ellis Ross, who won the 2020 Fashion Icon award and spoke to the viewers about the power of clothes, and Tyler Perry, who was honored Sunday night as the 2020 People's Champion. Perry delivered arguably the most inspiring speech of the night. In fact, viewers were so inspired by Perry's speech, that many of them took to Twitter quoting Perry's speech.

"If you just keep digging, my God if you could just hear me now, just keep digging, you may be four inches away from every gift and blessing you ever wanted in your life," shared Perry. "Had I given up when I was homeless, when I was sleeping in my car, when I was hungry, had I given up, these people that you see on the screen right now would not be part of my dream. There are people who are tied into your dream and your destiny, and you are worthy of getting to your goal. Keep digging, don't stop."

Perry concluded, "Listen to me. When you get there, when you get to that water and see it coming, and know you have what you need, this is what I want you to always remember. Make sure that everybody you run into meets you at your worth."

Video Transcript

JENNIFER LOPEZ: This year was the great leveler. It showed us what mattered, what didn't. And for me, reinforced what matters most-- people, all of us.

KYLIE MAR: Jennifer Lopez gave a moving speech at the E! People's Choice Awards Sunday night after being honored as the People's Icon of 2020, in which she thanked the people for keeping her motivated and giving her the privilege to perform for all these years.

JENNIFER LOPEZ: As a Latina and as a woman, you know, we have to sometimes-- we have to work twice as hard to get the opportunities. That the true measure is in inspiring girls of all ages and of all colors from all around the world to know that you can be anything you want and do as many things as you want.

KYLIE MAR: Prior to and after her speech, J.Lo was surprised by a bunch of famous friends like Renee Zellweger, Nicole Kidman, Kim Kardashian, Matthew McConaughey, and Jimmy Fallon, among others. But the sweetest moment was when her kids, Max and Emme, popped in to congratulate their mom.

JENNIFER LOPEZ: Oh!

- [INAUDIBLE] Love you. Congratulations.

- We're so happy for you, mommy.

KYLIE MAR: Other notable awards included Tracee Ellis Ross, who won the Fashion Icon Award and spoke to the viewers about the power of clothes; and Tyler Perry, who is honored as the People's Champion and delivered an incredible speech, which had viewers so inspired that they took to social media to share what they thought was the best quote of the night.

TYLER PERRY: Just keep digging. You may be 4 inches away from every gift and every blessing that you've ever wanted in your life. When you get there, when you get to that water, and you see it coming, and you know you have what you need, this is what I want you to always remember-- make sure that everybody you run into meets you at your worth.