Nicole Kidman hailed Jennifer Lopez the "true definition of an icon" at the 2020 E! People's Choice Awards on Sunday (15.20.20)

Nicole said: "You are the true definition of an icon. I have known you for a long time now and watched you go from strength to strength."

She then recalled her favourite memory of the singer-and-actress.

She said: "I will never forget bringing my sister to your Vegas show.

"You came off stage after two hours and Benny was standing there. I said, 'Are you sure she's okay? Don't want to interrupt.' He's like, 'Come on in.'

"And you were standing there as though you could go on again, mom there, kids there, friends there, and you were just power and love and warmth.

"I send you love. Can't wait to give you a hug when all of this is over."

Renee Zellweger also sent a tribute to the 51-year-old star, admitting she is a big "fan" of Jennifer for the way she has defied her critics and "proved them wrong".

She said: "I have long admired your work and uncompromising work ethic and beautiful, authentic audacity may your passion, vision, determination, self-respect and courage.

"You've been pushing boundaries all over the place for decades and this past year, with 'Hustlers' and shows and music and family and advocacy, empowering women and unbelievable Super Bowl halftime show.

"You raised the bar into the stratosphere. You are a triple threat creative visionary, you are an inspiration and you are certainly an icon."

In her own speech, Jennifer - whose 12-year-old twins Max and Emme also made a surprise video appearance - was moved to tears as she spoke of how she wants to be an inspiration.

She said: "You know I approach my career the same way I approach my life. I lead with life, I feel with my heart and I always try to speak truth in telling stories, singing songs. I do so with the purpose of bringing a little happiness, creating beauty and inspiring others to do the same...

"As a Latina and as a woman, we have to work twice as hard to get the opportunities, sometimes my big dreams and my ambitions, it made the people around me nervous. 'You can't be an actress. You're an actress, what you want to sing? You're an artist, you won't be taken seriously as a businesswoman.' The more that they said I couldn't, the more I knew that I had to. So now here I stand so very grateful knowing that the true measure of my success is not in box office numbers or records sold, but from the love that I feel from all of you.

"The true measure is inspiring girls in all ages and all colours, from all over the world, to know you can do whatever want, as many things as you want and to be proud of who you are no matter where you come from. I want them to know your dreams are limited only by your imagination, determination and their willingness to never give up."