[Originally published in DTM Magazine Issue #18; May 2005].
If you go around asking people what they think of Jennifer Lopez, you will get opposing views about her. Where does one begin describing J.Lo and her impact on this generation of media fans, as the actress, the singer, the stage performer or the businesswoman? Controversy, gossip and stories always seem to follow her. Is she a role model or does she give Latinas a bad name? Many of us are quick to criticize her, but if one day we found ourselves in her shoes, would we be able to walk in them?
Much has been said about her curvas, way before her career took off with the release of Selena, in 1998. But besides her callipygian attributes, there is much more to this diva than what our eyes cannot overlook.
What makes her a pop star? With four albums released to date, including her latest Rebirth, and total sales of over 35 million, J.Lo, as other acts such as Enrique Iglesias and Britney Spears, proves that to be accepted as a pop star today, you don’t necessarily need to have a spectacular voice.
Most of us remember 2001 when J.Lo’s second album was number one on the chart in the same week as her hit movie, The Wedding Planner, was drawing crowds. Now J.Lo is back with another movie, Monster-in-Law, which premieres on May 13th. This movie is about Charlie, played by J.Lo, who finds the man of her dreams and a nightmare of a mother-in-law. Rebirth has gotten mixed reviews, but it’s J.Lo, so it’s not to worry.
This Latina icon will continue to surf the tabloids, whether it is due to a new marriage or an old divorce. Latin artists often release English and Spanish albums at the same time, but J.Lo coincidentally or not, tends to have a movie and an album released almost together, which is rare.
J.Lo has been able to do what many stars have not in mainstream media. She successfully switched from being a movie star to being a pop singer and vice-versa, without becoming categorized. Add her dancing expertise and her successful fashion enterprise, and you have a very confident and successful Latina.
At the recent Latin Billboard Awards, Lopez appeared happy with Marc Anthony, whom she married secretly last year. The couple still seemed to be in their honeymoon stage. Now that J.Lo has settled down, she may want children, but will the Salsa sensation be willing to father more children now, after having had three in two previous relationships? Sources say that arguments about this are taking place even as we speak.
J.Lo is either hated or loved by people, but no matter what is said, credit needs to be given to those who deserve it, and Jennifer Lopez has earned her fame. She always wanted to have it all, and worked hard to get to reach the heights. “Jenny from the block no longer rides on the 6.”
The media tend to bash her mostly because of her personal life rather than her career. She may seem like a hopeless romantic looking for “The One.” Has she found him this time? She said she was very much in love in all of her past relationships. Will this one stand the test of time?
