After months of keeping a low profile following her divorce from Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez made a powerful return to the stage at the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab fashion show on November 13. It was a significant moment for the 55-year-old star, who had not performed since filing for divorce in August 2024.
The fashion show, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was an unforgettable evening, filled with top-tier performances from global stars such as Céline Dion and Camila Cabello. As the spotlight shifted to Jennifer Lopez, she electrified the crowd with a dynamic medley of her greatest hits, including “On the Floor,” “Una Noche Más,” and her iconic anthem “Let’s Get Loud.”
Lopez’s performance was as visually stunning as it was vocally impressive. She started in a dazzling sparkling ensemble, with a shimmering fringe cape that added extra flair to her opening number. Later, she swapped the cape for a dramatic white feathery cloak, which her dancers elegantly showcased. But the grand finale came when she tossed the cloak aside, completing the performance with bold energy and a dose of her signature style.
This event marked her first public performance since her highly publicized divorce from Ben Affleck, and while Ben has yet to comment on their split, Jennifer has shared some personal reflections in recent interviews. Speaking to Interview magazine, she admitted that the divorce had prompted deep self-reflection. “The work is figuring yourself out,” she said. “It’s about understanding the beliefs that guide your choices and recognizing patterns in your life.”
She acknowledged the challenge of facing the emotional aftermath of the separation. “It feels lonely, unfamiliar, scary,” she reflected, describing the loneliness that often accompanies such a major life change. “But when you sit with those feelings, you realize they won’t kill you. In fact, you discover you are capable of happiness and joy on your own.”
For Jennifer, who shares twins Max and Emme with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, the focus has shifted to personal growth and independence. “Being in a relationship doesn’t define me,” she emphasized. “I have to find happiness within myself before seeking it from anyone else.”
Her thoughts on self-reliance resonate with her fans, who have watched her navigate the highs and lows of both her career and personal life. Despite the pain of divorce, Jennifer is committed to the idea that true fulfillment comes from within. She’s determined to prove that she can thrive on her own, a journey that will undoubtedly inspire her fans as she continues to evolve as both an artist and an individual.
The divorce, which was filed on August 20, 2024, ended a two-year marriage between the two stars. Although the reasons behind the split remain private, Jennifer’s resilience and dedication to personal growth are now taking center stage. Her performance at the Elie Saab show may have been a celebration of her journey forward, with her powerful onstage presence symbolizing a woman in control of her own narrative.
As Jennifer Lopez moves on, her fans are sure to continue supporting her—both in her career and in her personal life—eager to see what this next chapter brings.