“Waiting for Tonight” is a high-energy dance-pop and Latin-influenced track by Jennifer Lopez, released in September 1999 as the third single from her debut album On the 6. It became one of Lopez’s most iconic hits, known for its club-ready beat, infectious melody, and futuristic music video.
Waiting for Tonight is about anticipation and excitement for a long-awaited romantic moment, it’s a song about passion, longing, and the thrill of a perfect night.
Musically, the song features a pulsating dance beat, lush synths, and Latin-inspired percussion, blending pop, house, and electronic elements. Lopez’s smooth and sultry vocals enhance the song’s sensual and dreamy atmosphere, making it a dance-floor anthem. The song was originally recorded by the group 3rd Party in 1997, but Lopez’s version became the definitive hit.
The song was a major commercial success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Dance Club Songs chart. It also performed well internationally, becoming a staple of late 90s dance music.
The music video, directed by Francis Lawrence, is set in a futuristic, neon-lit jungle party on New Year’s Eve, featuring stunning green laser lights and a glamorous Lopez dancing in shimmering outfits. The video was filmed in Los Angeles. Part of it was shot at the Los Angeles Arboretum..
Jennifer Lopez recorded also the Spanish version of the song, entitled “Una Noche Más” (English: One more night) [scroll down for video], it appears also on her debut album.