Kiwi dancers featured in a routine with J. Lo which opened the AMAs this year
Jennifer Lopez kicked off the American Music Awards in style - and she had some familiar Kiwi faces to help her do it.
Flanked by dancers from the Royal Family dance crew, led by Parris Goebel, Lopez highlighted some of the year's biggest hits with a mash-up medley.
Clad in skin tight body suits, they danced to the likes of Where Are U Now, Anaconda, Uptown Funk! and Hotline Bling at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Recalling how she was inspired by past performances from the likes of musical icons Prince, Madonna and the late Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, Lopez said: "This show truly inspired me and made me dream someday I would be one of the lucky ones who would perform on this stage for fans of music everywhere.
"That's why we all do this: to touch your hearts and give joy to you with our music. My dream has come true."
Based in Auckland, Royal Family made headlines recently for their work with pop superstars including Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber and Lopez.
J. Lo also made an impact with her impressive vocal introduction of 1999 hit Waiting for Tonight.
As the final note rang out and applause began, she urged people: "Wait, don't clap. Tonight's not about me. Tonight is about the music!
'"This year's music makes me want to dance, Do ya'll wanna dance with me? This is a party. Let's dance!"
Goebel was asked to find a group who "would kill it" on stage and delivered with a tight-knit performance that wowed the crowd.
People loved the high-impact routine, from smiling celebrities to those at home, who used Twitter to share their excitement.
Goebel posted a message on Instagram thanking J. Lo for giving her the leg up which has seen her career soar to new heights.
"She gave me my first big break in the industry and to meet up three years later to put this together, so grateful for the opportunity to choreograph this," Goebel wrote.
"All my love to my team".
It is the latest in a string of achievements for Goebel who recently choreographed a short film titled Purpose: The Movement, to coincide with the release of Bieber's new album.
Prince, who earned a rousing applause, presented the first award of the night to The Weeknd for favourite album - soul/R&B for Beauty Behind the Madness.
"Make some noise for Prince, ladies and gentlemen," said the singer, who performed later in the show.
- nzherald.co.nz
The 78-year-old only made the discovery after checking her birth certificate as an adult.