Jennifer Lopez’s ‘90s Audition Tape Proves She’s the Ultimate World of Dance Judge

From Oprah Magazine

Season 3 of World of Dance is in running full speed ahead, and while all eyes are on buzzy contestants like Briar Nolet, Kayla Mak, the Dancetown Divas, Jonathan y Jorge, and VPeepz, the lineup of judges gets plenty of judges, too.

Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, and Derek Hough-award-winning and respected members of the entertainment industry-all deserve their spots next to the show's host. Scott Evans. But it's Jennifer from the Block who's best known for a storied dance history. Long before Lopez paid homage to Motown at the Grammys, performed hits like “Waiting for Tonight” and “On the Floor” at her Las Vegas residency, or traveled the country on tour, J.Lo was actually a Fly Girl dancer on the beloved sketch comedy show, In Living Color.

Back then she worked under the show’s choreographer, Soul Train alumn Rosie Perez, and shook her hips side to side next to original Fly Girls like future Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

In 2004, Inside Edition found footage of Lopez auditioning for the gig, and it all started right in front of Perez's eyes back in 1990. In the clip, J.Lo is wearing a white top with black pants, closely following tight choreography and eventually getting chosen by Perez to move on to the next round of auditions. Though she didn’t make the cut during that audition, she eventually became a Fly Girl in 1991.

Another YouTube clip finds Lopez working it on stage next to her dance squad, not long before she went on to become a backup dancer for Janet Jackson.

Back in 2018, Lopez posted a throwback video of herself as a Fly Girl while praising Bruno Mars’s “Finesse” music video starring Cardi B-which took inspiration from In Living Color. “#onceaflygirlalwaysaflygirl,” Lopez hashtagged her caption.

So the next time you disagree with any of Lopez’s criticisms on World of Dance, just remember: she knows a thing or two about busting a move.

For more ways to live your best life plus all things Oprah, sign up for our newsletter!