Jennifer Lopez Explained Why Charli D'Amelio Is The "Biggest New Teenage Star Right Now"

    “When Charli dances, she connects."

    Joyann Jeffrey
    by Joyann Jeffrey

    BuzzFeed Staff

    At just 16 years old, Charli D’Amelio was chosen to be on the 2021 Time 100 Next list — and Jennifer Lopez said she understands why.

    “When she dances, people want to be like her. Her authenticity comes through the screen," the singer told Time magazine.

    J.Lo recalled meeting Charli "at Super Bowl LIV in 2020," saying, "I could see she had that spark you need as a performer or entertainer to draw an audience.”

    D’Amelio is so good at dancing that she performed alongside J.Lo at the Super Bowl last year. She also showed the “Love Don't Cost a Thing” singer that “the days of simply waiting to be discovered for your talents are gone," J.Lo said.

    "She felt like a kindred spirit, maybe because I started out as a dancer too," Lopez said. "When Charli dances, she connects. She’s the biggest new teenage star right now, and it’s not simply that she dances on TikTok. She’s the best at it.”

    You should "put yourself out there on your own terms,” J.Lo added. “And as Charli has proven, with true authenticity, they will come.”

    With over 100 million followers on TikTok, D’Amelio has quickly become a force to be reckoned with.