Excitement was overflowing at the sixth annual Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala, both because it was the first time since 2019 the signature event was being held, and due to anticipation with a Jennifer Lopez concert at Dodger Stadium.
“I am so excited. I think it’s going to be our biggest party yet,” Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman told DodgerBlue.com.
Her sentiment was shared by several Dodgers players and was a testament to the star power Lopez carries. Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Earth Wind & Fire, Fleetwood Mac and John Legend have also performed at the Blue Diamond Gala.
“It’s J. Lo! For so many years I’ve followed her since she started,” Dodgers broadcaster José Mota said. “I’m looking forward to that. A little Latino beat. She’s Puerto Rican, I’m a Dominican, so there’s a mix.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts added: “It’s been three years since we’ve done this, so we’ve all been looking forward to this. To have the players, their wives, Nichol with the Dodgers Foundation has done a fantastic job. Their outreach is endless. They’ve done so much for the community.
“So for us to now have Jennifer Lopez here, to see a concert like that, it’s going to be a fun and special night.”
Walker Buehler and McKenzie Buehler were equally excited, even if they disagreed on who was likely to dance more.
“Probably not me,” Walker Buehler said.
“I don’t know about that. You’re a big dancer,” McKenzie Buehler retorted.
Although the Buehlers were not seen, players and their significant others shared social media clips of themselves enjoying Lopez performing, and her concert certainly met lofty expectations.
“The gala was a great time. Seeing J. Lo perform, it was really special,” Evan Phillips said. “I think everybody was curious to see how she would do, and I think she put on one heck of a show. So it was really fun.
“She had a lot of energy and I think that just made the entire night go. Made it a lot more fun for everyone in attendance.”
Caleb Ferguson and Will Smith also spoke highly of the night. It marked Smith’s first time attending a Blue Diamond Gala.
Dodgers pick favorite Jennifer Lopez songs
Justin and Kourtney Turner and Clayton and Ellen Kershaw were among those who listened to Lopez songs on their way to Dodger Stadium.
“‘Jenny from the Block’ is an all-time classic,” answered Justin Turner when asked for his favorite song. “You can’t go wrong with that one. We’ve never seen her in concert, so we don’t know. We’re going to get surprised.”
Kourtney Turner chose “Waiting for Tonight” as her favorite Lopez song. “That was like my jam in eighth grade,” she recalled. “I was wondering if she’s going to do greatest hits or some new stuff. I always like the greatest hits. I like to know the songs.”
Clayton Kershaw was another who went back to pick his favorite J. Lo song, opting for “Love Don’t Cost A Thing.”
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