The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Jennifer Lopez turned the Motown tribute into the J-Lo show.

The Latin singer-actress hit the Grammys stage on Sunday inserting her energetic dance-pop flavor into memorable Motown melodies such as "Dancing Machine" and "Dancing in the Street."

She faced backlash on social media for her lead participation in a tribute recognizing an historic African-American record label.

Some online questioned why a black artist wasn't chosen instead of Lopez, but she did receive support from Smokey Robinson, who joined her in a duet to perform "My Girl," a song he co-wrote. She then briefly teamed up with Alicia Keys on "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and sang "Another Star" with Ne-Yo, who played the piano.

Lopez defended her performance of the medley.

“The thing about music is that it inspires all,” Lopez told Entertainment Tonight on Sunday. “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.”

The "Dinero" singer said that Motown producer Berry Gordy and producers of the Grammys 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.”

But she also said she wasn't letting her critics drag her down.

“That’s OK,” Lopez said. “I’m just very humbled and honored to be able to have sung those songs.”

Robinson also came to Lopez's defense before her performance.

"Motown was music for everybody. Everybody," Robinson told Variety at the Clive Davis pre-Grammys party. "Jennifer Lopez growing up in her hispanic neighborhood where ever she was ... loved Motown. Who’s stupid enough to protest Jennifer Lopez doing anything for Motown?"

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Lopez performed "Please Mr. Postman" while wearing a black ensemble with white feathers and accompanied by a group of dancers. She also sported a sparkling bodysuit during "Money (That's What I Want)."

After she finished, she told the crowd that she was "grateful" to be here tonight.

Lopez said she dedicated her performance to her mother. The 49-year-old singer said she grew up on Motown music through her mom, listening to different artists such as The Temptations and The Supremes.

Her performance comes days ahead of Motown's tribute concert to celebrate the label's 60th anniversary. The tribute takes place Tuesday at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Berry Gordy, who stood during Lopez's performance, founded Motown Records in 1959. The record label was home to numerous music artists including Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

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