Waiting for Tonight
"Waiting for Tonight" is a dance-pop song by American singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, serving as the third single from her debut studio album, On the 6, released in 1999. Written by Maria Christensen, Michael Garvin, and Phil Temple, the track was originally recorded by the dance group 3rd Party for their 1997 album Alive but gained widespread recognition through Lopez's version, produced by Ric Wake and Richie Jones.[1][2] Featuring themes of romantic anticipation and featuring Lopez's vocals over a pulsating house beat, it marked a pivotal moment in her transition from actress to pop star.[3] The song achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 4, 1999, and becoming Lopez's first number-one hit on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[4] Internationally, it reached the top ten in multiple countries, including number five in the United Kingdom, and has been certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States in 2024 for one million units sold.[5] Its infectious energy and Lopez's charismatic delivery helped propel On the 6 to multi-platinum status, solidifying her as a major force in late-1990s pop music.[6] The accompanying music video, directed by Francis Lawrence and released in October 1999, depicted Lopez celebrating in a futuristic house party setting and became iconic for its vibrant visuals and choreography.[1] It won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance Video in 2000 and has been praised for influencing subsequent pop videos with its club aesthetic.[1] Over the years, "Waiting for Tonight" has remained a staple in Lopez's performances, including a reimagined EDM version during her 2016 Las Vegas residency and a 2024 remix collaboration with DJ FISHER.[7] In January 2025, Lopez recreated elements of the original video during her New Year's Eve performance, highlighting its enduring cultural impact.[8]Background
Song origins
"Waiting for Tonight" was written by Maria Christensen, Michael Garvin, and Phil Temple in 1997.[9] Christensen, a Latin freestyle singer who had previously performed as part of the duo Sequal, co-wrote the track as a member of the dance group 3rd Party.[10] The song was originally recorded and released by 3rd Party on their debut album Alive, issued on October 7, 1997, by DV8 Records.[11] Described as an upbeat dance-pop track incorporating house elements, the original version featured Christensen on lead vocals with bandmates Karmine Alers and Elaine Borja providing backing vocals.[1] Following its release on Alive, which achieved limited commercial success, "Waiting for Tonight" gained modest attention within the music industry as a club-oriented anthem.[11] The track circulated among labels and producers, leading to its selection by Jennifer Lopez's team for inclusion on her debut album On the 6 in early 1999.[1]Album context
Jennifer Lopez's debut studio album On the 6 was released on June 1, 1999, by Work Group and Epic Records, marking her entry into the music industry following her acting roles in the biopic Selena (1997) and as a Fly Girl dancer on the sketch comedy series In Living Color (1991–1993).[12][13] The album blended pop, R&B, Latin pop, and dance elements, reflecting Lopez's Puerto Rican heritage from the Bronx and her ambition to establish a multifaceted entertainment career.[14] "Waiting for Tonight" was selected as the third single from On the 6, following the lead single "If You Had My Love" and the duet "No Me Ames" with Marc Anthony, and was released on September 7, 1999, to emphasize the album's dance-oriented tracks.[3] The album's production was overseen by Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola, who signed Lopez and collaborated with producers such as Rodney Jerkins and Sean "Puffy" Combs, incorporating a mix of upbeat rhythms and slower ballads.[13] In this context, "Waiting for Tonight" highlighted themes of empowerment and nightlife anticipation, bridging Lopez's street-smart Bronx upbringing with her emerging Hollywood glamour.[15] Positioned as a pulsating club anthem, the track contrasted with the album's more ballad-heavy selections like "Should've Never" and "Talk About Us," aiming to broaden On the 6's appeal to international dance audiences while showcasing Lopez's vocal confidence in an energetic, escapist setting.[14]Writing and recording
Songwriting process
The song "Waiting for Tonight" was collaboratively written by Maria Christensen, Michael Garvin, and Phil Temple for Christensen's dance group 3rd Party.[1] The lyrics center on themes of romantic anticipation and excitement, with phrases like "Like a movie scene in the sweetest dreams" evoking cinematic longing for a passionate evening. The melody was crafted as a Eurodance-inspired hook with a repetitive chorus for dancefloor appeal, incorporating synths and beats to create an infectious, upbeat rhythm.[3] From the initial demo recorded by 3rd Party for their 1997 album Alive, the song retained its core unchanged but was adapted for Jennifer Lopez's debut album On the 6.[1]Production and recording
The production of "Waiting for Tonight" was handled by Ric Wake, with additional production and mixing contributions from Richie Jones. The track was recorded at the Hit Factory and Cove City Sound Studios in New York City during mid-1999, as Lopez prepared her debut album On the 6.[16][17] The arrangement transformed the original Europop demo into a vibrant Latin house sound, layering in house rhythms and Latin percussion elements to emphasize its club-ready energy. Lopez's vocals focused on a breathy, seductive delivery enhanced by layered ad-libs for emotional depth. Background vocals were provided by additional session singers.[3] The final mix was completed by Tony Maserati at the Hit Factory in New York City, resulting in a radio-optimized version with a runtime of 4:06 and a tempo of 125 beats per minute to align with dancefloor standards. This technical polish contributed to the song's polished, anthemic quality upon its inclusion on On the 6.[16][13]Release and promotion
Single release
"Waiting for Tonight" was released on September 7, 1999, by the Work Group in the United States as the third single from Jennifer Lopez's debut album On the 6, in formats including CD single, cassette single, and 12-inch vinyl.[18] The U.S. CD maxi-single featured remixes by producers such as Hex Hector and Thunderpuss, while the European 12-inch vinyl edition targeted club play.[19] International versions were issued in late 1999, including a release on October 27 in Austria and November 1 in the United Kingdom.[20] The single's initial rollout began with radio airplay in the United States prior to its physical release, debuting at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated October 16, 1999.[21] Digital download availability followed in the 2000s as platforms expanded.[22] Label executives positioned "Waiting for Tonight" as a dance-oriented follow-up to the success of Lopez's debut single "If You Had My Love," aiming to further boost album sales.[1]Promotional activities
The promotional campaign for "Waiting for Tonight" emphasized the song's danceable energy and New Year's Eve theme, aligning with the impending Y2K celebrations to build anticipation. The music video, directed by Francis Lawrence, received heavy rotation on MTV networks internationally, showcasing Lopez in a futuristic club setting that amplified the track's party vibe and helped establish her as a pop icon.[23] Columbia Records targeted radio and club play through extensive distribution of promotional singles, including multiple remixes such as Hex's Momentous Club Mix and Pablo's Miami Mix, which were sent to DJs for heavy rotation on Top 40 and dance stations. These efforts included vinyl and CD promos aimed at mainstream club formats, with the track appearing in industry service compilations like Promo Only Mainstream Club in September 1999 to encourage early adoption in nightclubs.[16][24] Print advertisements featured the single in music industry publications, such as a full-page promo ad in the November 1999 issue of HITS magazine, highlighting Lopez's rising stardom and the song's remixes. Budget allocations supported club-focused pushes, generating buzz through targeted DJ outreach and early plays in New York venues ahead of the official September 7, 1999, release.[25]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Waiting for Tonight" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 56 on the chart dated October 16, 1999, and steadily climbed the ranks, entering the top 10 in its ninth week.[21] It reached its peak position of number 8 on December 4, 1999, and remained on the chart for a total of 20 weeks. The track also topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, becoming Lopez's first number-one entry there and highlighting its strong appeal in the dance music scene.[26] Internationally, the song achieved significant success across multiple markets. It peaked at number 4 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia, spending 19 weeks in total, and reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart (Official Charts Company), where it charted for 17 weeks.[27][28] The single entered the top 10 in several other countries, including Canada, Italy, and Spain, reflecting its global dance-pop resonance.[4] The song's chart trajectory was notably enhanced by a series of club remixes that propelled its performance on dance-oriented charts and the accompanying music video, which amplified radio airplay and visual exposure.[29] In recent years, sustained streaming has contributed to its resurgence on retro and digital charts; as of November 2025, it has accumulated over 196 million streams on Spotify.[30]Certifications and sales
In the United States, "Waiting for Tonight" was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 7, 2000, for 500,000 units shipped, and upgraded to Platinum on May 31, 2024, reflecting combined sales and streaming equivalent units of 1 million. Internationally, the song received Gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2000 for 400,000 units in the United Kingdom. It was awarded 2× Platinum status by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 140,000 units in 2000, by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) in France for 250,000 units on December 14, 1999, and by the Belgian Entertainment Association (BEA) for 25,000 units on December 10, 1999.| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Certified Units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA | 2× Platinum | 140,000 | 2000 |
| Belgium | BEA | Gold | 25,000 | December 10, 1999 |
| France | SNEP | Gold | 250,000 | December 14, 1999 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Gold | 400,000 | 2000 |
| United States | RIAA | Platinum | 1,000,000 | May 31, 2024 |
Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in late 1999, "Waiting for Tonight" received widespread praise from critics for its energetic dance-pop sound and Jennifer Lopez's assured vocal delivery, capturing the exuberant spirit of the impending new millennium. AllMusic's Heather Phares described the track as an "irresistible dance track" with "sparkling, irresistible dance-pop production," highlighting its catchy hooks and pulsating beats that blended Latin influences with mainstream club appeal.[14] While some reviewers found the parent album On the 6 uneven overall, the song itself often stood out as a peak of its formulaic yet effective pop style. Critics frequently emphasized the track's Y2K party anthem quality, with its shimmering synths and confident, celebratory lyrics evoking anticipation and nightlife revelry, positioning Lopez as a fresh voice in dance music.[31] The song's critical acclaim was underscored by its nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2000, validating its impact as a standout debut single.[32]Retrospective assessments
In the 2010s, retrospective rankings highlighted "Waiting for Tonight" as a cornerstone of Jennifer Lopez's catalog. Billboard ranked it as the top track from her 1999 debut album On the 6 upon its 20th anniversary, praising its fusion of electronica and Latin influences as a defining moment in her transition from actress to pop star.[3] Similarly, Rolling Stone placed the song at number 30 on its 2018 list of the 50 greatest Latin pop songs, noting its role as a "reflection of Lopez's Bronx roots" through its vibrant club energy and crossover appeal.[10] By the 2020s, critics continued to celebrate the track's lasting impact on dance-pop, often tying it to Lopez's broader cultural legacy. Its performance during the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show—where Lopez delivered a high-energy rendition suspended midair alongside pole dancing elements—drew acclaim for reinforcing her status as a trailblazing Latina performer, with Billboard describing the segment as a "shimmied" highlight that blended sensuality and spectacle.[33] Pitchfork's review of the show emphasized how the freestyle-infused version updated the song's club roots for a global audience, underscoring its enduring relevance in live settings.[34] Recent analyses, including a 2024 retrospective on On the 6, have lauded it for empowering women in pop by capturing euphoric anticipation and self-assured nightlife vibes.[15] The song's club persistence into the 2020s is evident in high-profile remixes and adaptations, such as FISHER's 2024 house reworking, which Billboard noted as a "nostalgic anthem" reigniting its dancefloor draw for new generations.[35]Music video
Production details
The music video for "Waiting for Tonight" was directed by Francis Lawrence, marking an early major project in his music video directing career.[36][37] Filmed in a sweltering rainforest setting in Los Angeles, the production unfolded over several days in late summer 1999, capturing Lopez and her dancers in intense, sweat-drenched choreography amid the heat.[38][39] Lawrence's vision centered on a Y2K-inspired theme, drawing from New Year's Eve countdowns and millennium anxieties to craft an ultimate rave atmosphere that merged futuristic sci-fi elements with sensual dance energy; CGI was employed to generate ethereal, otherworldly party scenes around the performers.[38] Lopez starred in shimmering metallic outfits that accentuated her movements, supported by a ensemble of professional dancers, while cinematography highlighted neon glows, slow-motion sequences, and dynamic lighting to heighten the video's anticipatory tension.[38][40] In post-production, editors incorporated digital glitches and transitional effects to mirror the era's Y2K fears of technological collapse, completing the video in late 1999—premiering in October 1999.[38]Visual synopsis
The music video for "Waiting for Tonight" opens with Jennifer Lopez in a car driving to a party, intercut with shots of a countdown clock ticking toward midnight, building anticipation for the New Year's celebration.[41] This sequence sets a sense of urgency and excitement, reflecting the Y2K-era themes of millennial transition.[42] As the narrative progresses into the main scenes, Lopez arrives at an underground club filled with dancers adorned in glowing body paint, creating a vibrant, otherworldly atmosphere. Lopez takes center stage on a raised platform to perform the chorus, surrounded by surreal visual elements such as floating orbs and mirror reflections that enhance the dreamlike quality of the party.[41] These elements underscore the video's energetic and immersive club environment. The video reaches its climax with a dramatic New Year's explosion of confetti and pulsating lights that synchronize precisely with the song's instrumental drop, capturing the peak of revelry. It concludes with a collective group celebration among the diverse dancers, emphasizing themes of unity and empowerment.[41] The 3-minute edit tailored for MTV broadcast highlights these moments through its concise pacing and focus on representative diverse dancer portrayals to convey empowerment.[41]Video reception
The music video for "Waiting for Tonight" garnered significant acclaim upon its release, earning recognition for its innovative visuals and choreography that captured the millennial anticipation of the year 2000. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the clip won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance Video at the 2000 ceremony, highlighting its energetic dance sequences and futuristic aesthetic. It was also nominated for Best Choreography in a Video at the same event, underscoring the intricate routines led by choreographer Tina Landon.[43] In Europe, the video contributed to Lopez's broader success, as she received the MTV Europe Music Award for Best R&B at the 2000 awards, reflecting the track's international appeal and the clip's role in promoting it across MTV networks. Critics and retrospectives have since praised the video as a quintessential Y2K artifact, with its neon-lit party scenes and diverse cast of dancers embodying the era's optimistic energy.[44] The video's enduring popularity is evident in its digital metrics, amassing over 114 million views on YouTube as of November 2025, which helped fuel a resurgence in the song's chart performance years after its initial release. Retrospectives on 2000s pop culture often commend its choreography for blending Latin influences with club-ready moves, and its inclusive representation of multicultural performers, which boosted Lopez's profile as a multimedia entertainer bridging film, music, and dance. In January 2025, Lopez recreated elements of the video during her New Year's Eve performance, underscoring its lasting appeal.[8] This acclaim solidified her transition from actress to pop icon, enhancing her image as a versatile performer capable of dominating visual media.[41]Performances and covers
Live performances
Lopez first performed "Waiting for Tonight" live at the 1999 Billboard Music Awards on December 8, accompanied by a dance troupe in a high-energy routine that highlighted the song's club-ready vibe.[45] The track became a staple in Lopez's setlists during her early 2000s tours, including the Let's Get Loud tour in 2001, where it was presented in a medley with "Walking on Sunshine" featuring an extended intro to build anticipation, as captured on the 2003 concert DVD release. During her Las Vegas residency "Jennifer Lopez: All I Have" from 2016 to 2018, Lopez delivered the song in various iterations, including stripped-back arrangements that emphasized its emotional core amid the production-heavy show.[46][47] One of the song's most iconic live moments came at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show on February 2, 2020, where Lopez joined Shakira for a medley incorporating "Waiting for Tonight," complete with a pole-dancing segment referencing her film Hustlers.[48][49] In 2022, during her tour dates, Lopez revived the track with LED visuals inspired by the original music video's futuristic aesthetic, creating an immersive experience for audiences.[50] Additionally, in March 2024, Ariana Grande paid homage to Lopez by riffing on "Waiting for Tonight" during a Moulin Rouge!-themed sketch on Saturday Night Live, singing it as part of a pop medley alongside co-star Bowen Yang.[51] In January 2025, Lopez recreated elements of the original music video during her New Year's Eve performance, highlighting the song's enduring cultural impact.[8]Cover versions and remixes
The song has been subject to numerous official remixes, with the most prominent being the Hex Hector-produced club mixes released in 1999. The Hex's Momentous Club Mix extends the track to over 10 minutes, emphasizing extended breakdowns and vocal builds tailored for dance floors, and was included on promotional singles and later compilations.[52] The Hex Hector Vocal Remix Extended version runs approximately 11 minutes, featuring layered percussion and atmospheric effects that amplified its club popularity.[53] These remixes appeared on Lopez's 2002 remix album J to tha L.O.! The Remixes, specifically as the "Hex's Momentous Radio Mix," which condensed the club elements into a 4:32 radio-friendly format while retaining the song's euphoric energy.[54] In 2024, Australian DJ FISHER collaborated with Lopez on an official electronic remix, reimagining the track as a tech house anthem with pulsating basslines and modern production. Released via Catch & Release/Epic Records on May 3, the extended mix clocks in at around 6 minutes, marking a revival for the 1990s hit in contemporary EDM circuits.[55] The remix debuted on streaming platforms and was promoted through official lyric videos, positioning it as a bridge between Lopez's original era and current festival sounds.[56] Cover versions span various genres and contexts, often highlighting the song's dance-pop versatility. In 2019, during season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race, a notable six-way lip sync performance featured queens A'keria C. Davenport, Honey Davenport, Plastique Tiara, Ra'Jah O'Hara, Scarlet Envy, and Shuga Cain performing to the Hex Hector Remix, with Honey Davenport's elimination sparking discussions on the challenge's intensity.[57] Singer Kelly Clarkson delivered a sultry, slowed-down cover on The Kelly Clarkson Show in October 2022, infusing jazz-inflected vocals and piano accompaniment to reinterpret the track's sensuality.[7] User-generated covers have proliferated on platforms like TikTok, where the song inspired dance challenges and acoustic renditions, particularly gaining traction around the 2024 FISHER remix release, though earlier snippets from 2023 contributed to nostalgic trends.[58] Indie and alternative acts have occasionally sampled or adapted elements without formal clearance, as seen in underground tracks blending the melody with lo-fi production, though these remain unofficial and niche.[59] Other recorded covers include the Kidz Bop Kids' family-friendly version in 2000, which toned down the original's club vibe for younger audiences, and the Australian band Last Dinosaurs' 2023 charity rendition for a live stream event supporting music education.[60]Legacy and cultural impact
Media usage
The song "Waiting for Tonight" has been featured in various television programs and video games, highlighting its enduring appeal in dance and pop culture contexts. In the 2004 episode "Oh, No, You Di-in't" of the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, Jennifer Lopez performed a remix of the track during a wedding scene, integrating it into the storyline as part of her guest appearance as herself.[1] The routine contributed to the episode's comedic energy, with Lopez collaborating on stage with character Jack McFarland.[61] On the MTV dance competition series America's Best Dance Crew, the track served as a centerpiece for a Jennifer Lopez-themed challenge in season 7 (2012), where competing crews like Fanny Pak incorporated its choreography and energy into their performances.[62] This usage underscored the song's influence on dance routines, with teams drawing from its upbeat rhythm and iconic video aesthetics to execute lifts and costume changes.[63] In video games, a cover version of "Waiting for Tonight" by P.A.T. appeared in Dance Dance Revolution Extreme (2004, PlayStation 2), where players could follow arrow patterns synced to the song's beat across multiple difficulty levels.[64] The inclusion featured unique background animations, making it a standout track in the rhythm game series and extending the song's reach to interactive entertainment.[65]Enduring influence
"Waiting for Tonight" has been recognized for ushering in the Y2K era of euphoric, club-ready music.[66] As Lopez's breakthrough single, it marked her transition from actress to global pop icon, defining her multifaceted career and inspiring subsequent artists in the dance-pop space.[67] Culturally, the song embodies the optimistic anticipation of the new millennium, serving as a soundtrack to Y2K celebrations and symbolizing female empowerment through its portrayal of unapologetic desire and nightlife liberation.[68] Its enduring appeal in LGBTQ+ club scenes has made it a staple gay anthem, evoking the sensory thrill of early club experiences and remaining a high-energy closer at Pride events.[69] In the 2020s, nostalgia-driven revivals have sustained its relevance, with remixes like the 2024 Fisher version reigniting interest on streaming platforms and social media, where it fuels dance challenges and retro tributes. In 2024, a 25th anniversary edition of Lopez's debut album On the 6 was released, featuring remixes of "Waiting for Tonight" and contributing to its renewed chart performance and streaming success.[70] On a personal level, Lopez has frequently highlighted the song's role in her artistic evolution, describing it in interviews as a liberating pivot that captured her Bronx roots and Miami influences while propelling her to superstardom.[67] This legacy was affirmed in 2024 when the RIAA certified "Waiting for Tonight" platinum for surpassing one million units in U.S. sales and streams, reflecting its streaming resurgence amid broader catalog revivals.[5]Credits and formats
Personnel credits
"Waiting for Tonight" was written by Maria Christensen, Michael Garvin, and Phil Temple.[71] The track was produced by Ric Wake and Richie Jones.[16] Recording engineers Thomas R. Yezzi, Franklyn T. Grant, and Dave Scheuer; mixed by Richie Jones at The Hit Factory, New York. Background vocals by Jane Barrett, Maria Christensen, Amie Clare, Loris Holland, and Julia Milton. Richie Jones performed on keyboards, while Sammy Merendino contributed percussion.[72] Vocal producer Ric Wake; assistant engineers Juan Bohorquez and Glenn Huberman; production coordinator David Barrett. The accompanying music video was directed by Francis Lawrence, with choreography by Travis Payne.[36]US CD maxi-single
The US CD maxi-single for "Waiting for Tonight" was released by Epic Records in 1999 and features the album version alongside popular remixes.[73]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Waiting for Tonight (Album Version) | 4:06 |
| 2. | Waiting for Tonight (Pablo's Miami Mix Radio Edit – Spanglish) | 3:59 |
| 3. | Waiting for Tonight (Hex's Momentous Club Mix) | 10:27 |
UK CD single
The UK CD single, released by Columbia Records in 1999, includes the album version and club-oriented remixes tailored for the European market.[74]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Waiting for Tonight (Album Version) | 4:06 |
| 2. | Waiting for Tonight (Pablo's Miami Mix Radio Edit – Spanglish) | 3:59 |
| 3. | Waiting for Tonight (Hex's Momentous Radio Mix) | 3:52 |
| 4. | Waiting for Tonight (Metro Mix) | 5:53 |
Vinyl formats
Vinyl releases primarily consisted of promotional 12-inch singles emphasizing extended club mixes for DJ use. The US 12" maxi-single on Epic Records (1999) includes the following tracks.[75] Side A:- Waiting for Tonight (Hex's Momentous Club Mix) – 11:15
- Waiting for Tonight (Pablo Flores Spanglish Miami Radio Edit) – 3:56
- Waiting for Tonight (Pablo Flores Miami Mix) – 10:00
- Waiting for Tonight (Hex's Momentous Video Edit) – 4:50
International variations
International releases often incorporated regional B-sides or additional remixes. The Australian CD single on Columbia Records (1999) includes the following tracks.[77]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Waiting for Tonight (Album Version) | 4:06 |
| 2. | Waiting for Tonight (Pablo's Miami Mix Radio Edit) | 3:59 |
| 3. | Waiting for Tonight (Hex's Momentous Radio Mix) | 3:52 |
| 4. | If You Had My Love (Metro Club Mix) | 6:07 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | September 7, 1999 | CD, cassette, 12" vinyl | Work Group |
| Austria | October 27, 1999 | CD single | Columbia |
| Europe (general) | October 27, 1999 | CD maxi-single, 12" vinyl | Work, Columbia |
| Australia | October 1999 | CD single, 12" vinyl | Work, Columbia |
| United Kingdom | November 1, 1999 | CD single, cassette, 12" promo | Columbia |