Jennifer Lopez (page 2)
2009–11: American Idol and Love?
While pregnant with twins Max and Emme, Lopez had been writing material for her seventh studio album Love?, with a planned release for the summer of 2010.[149] On what to expect of the album, she said "Once you get past the party on the album, and you listen to some of the words, you will see that I really talk about the power of love but also the devastation of it and everything in between."[150] A song titled "Fresh Out the Oven" featuring Miami rapper Pitbull surfaced online in October 2009 but her record label said that it was simply a buzz single.[151] It topped the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The project's official lead single, "Louboutins", had its radio debut on November 23, 2009, following the song's premiere and performance at the 2009 American Music Awards. The song only managed to enter the Hot Dance Club Play chart six weeks after release and reaching number 1, however, it failed to enter any other chart, including the Billboard Hot 100. On January 27, 2010, it was announced that Lopez would guest-star on an episode of How I Met Your Mother as Anita Appleby, a no-nonsense author of self-help books that teach women how to mold men into "relationship machines" through the power of denial.[152] In February 2010 Lopez and her record label of ten years, Epic Records, parted ways.[153][154] Lopez's manager, Benny Medina, confirmed the news, saying "Jennifer had a wonderful relationship with the Sony Music Group, and they have shared many successes together, but the time was right to make a change that best serves the direction of her career as an actress and recording artist... She is grateful and appreciative to everyone at Sony for all that they accomplished together."[155] Lopez later released a statement to the media where she said that she had already completed her contractual obligations with Sony Music Entertainment and Epic Records and decided it was for the best to end the partnership on amicable terms. She added that she found a new "home" [record label] for the album 'Love?'.[156] Shortly after being spotted talking to Island Def Jam's chairman and CEO L.A. Reid,[157] it was confirmed on March 19, 2010 that Lopez signed with Island Def Jam, and was working on new material for Love? with RedZone Entertainment (Kuk Harrell, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart).[158][159] In April 2010, she appeared in the romantic comedy The Back-up Plan.[160] The film debuted at the top spot at the Box Office.[161][162] While the film didn't meet positive reviews, Lopez's performance as "Zoe" was praised and called a "winning performance".[163][164]
In June 2010, following the departure of Ellen DeGeneres from American Idol, it was reported that Lopez was in talks to join season ten's judging panel.[165][166][167] However, it was then reported that Lopez was out of the running due to "outrageous demands",[168][169] something which returning Idol producer, Nigel Lythgoe responded to by saying "[Jennifer] is in no way a diva, I've worked with her on quite a few occasions and I have never yet seen her be a diva." He did not confirm or deny reports of the contract negotiations between Lopez and the other Idol producers.[170] Both Lopez and husband, Marc Anthony, were being considered for a role on The X Factor for their appeal to 'Latin' and 'International' markets.[171] Lopez's involvement in The X Factor was ruled out when the media reported that she had accepted an offer to become a judge on season ten of Idol, despite being offered roles on both shows.[172] The announcement was made official on September 22, 2010. MTV said "the deal was mutually beneficial to all those involved" whilst CNN reported that Lopez was viewing it as a decision to revive her career while Idol producers believe Lopez and Steven Tyler's appointments will strengthen viewing figures.[173] The public agreed that Lopez was a more suitable judge replacement for Ellen, as she had experience within the music industry, which DeGeneres lacked.[174]
In January 2011, Lopez's new single "On the Floor" featuring Pitbull (their second collaboration) surfaced online[175] and it was later announced as the lead single from Love?, produced by RedOne, who predicted that it was going to be a "big hit".[176] "On The Floor" was a commercial success, debuting at nine on the Hot 100 and peaking at three, her highest-charting song in eight years.[177] It's accompanying music video premiered on an episode of American Idol on March 3, and has since become the highest viewed video by a female artist on YouTube, with over 510 million views.[178] The song sold 8.4 million copies, becoming the fourth best-selling digital single of the year.[179] Love? produced two more singles, the Taio Cruz produced "I'm Into You" featuring Lil Wayne, and "Papi", which became her 10th and 11th chart-toppers on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.[180] Love? was finally released on May 3, 2011 and reached the fifth position on the Billboard 200.[181][182] It was a moderate success, and viewed as a humble comeback from Lopez, as many had considered her recording career over.[143]
On July 15, days before Lopez's forty-second birthday, following seven years of marriage to Marc Anthony, the couple's representative announced that they were separating[183][184] and Anthony later filed for divorce on April 9, 2012, citing irreconcilable differences.[185] In November, she was named "Women of the year" by Glamour Magazine.[186] Lopez was featured on will.i.am's single "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)". On December 13, 2011, Los Angeles Times named her the "World's greatest musical comeback act", a ranking from an accuracast, a digital search that analyzed over a billion Google searches since 2004.[187] Lopez ranked ahead of comebacks from artists such as Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin.[187] She was also named "Best Comeback" act by Billboard.com Reader's Poll, leading with 47% of votes for the title, beating out Kelly Clarkson (17%) and Evanescence (12%).[188]
2012: ¡Q'Viva! The Chosen and Dance Again World Tour
Lopez returned as judge on the eleventh season of American Idol, reportedly earning $US20 million, compared to the $US12 million she earned last year.[189] Lopez worked with ex-husband Marc Anthony and director-choeographer Jamie King on the talent series ¡Q'Viva! The Chosen, created by Simon Fuller. It follows Lopez, Anthony and King as they travel across 21 countries in Latin America to find new talent.[190] It premiered on January 28, 2012 on Univision and was a ratings hit for the channel.[191][192]
In late 2011, it was confirmed that Lopez would be releasing a greatest hits album in 2012, with her vocal producer Kuk Harrell and The-Dream confirming their involvement in the project.[193][194][195] L.A. Reid, chairman and CEO for Epic Records, confirmed on his Twitter account that a greatest hits album is in production.[196] Later confirming an upcoming release herself, Lopez said the basis for her album was again "Love".[197] Island Def Jam Records' Senior Vice President of A&R, Chris Anokute stated in an interview that he is working with Lopez on a dance album.[198] In April 2012 Lopez released the lead single from her greatest hits album, "Dance Again" featuring American rapper Pitbull. It charted at 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also became her twelfth number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs.[199] Later that month, Lopez was featured on Wisin & Yandel's song "Follow the Leader" from their upcoming album.[200] Lopez is also working on two possible new songs, entitled "Clothes Off" and "Goin' In".[201][202] Three new songs will appear on Lopez's upcoming greatest hits album.[203] Lopez recorded "Goin' In" with Flo Rida for the film Step Up Revolution (2012). She debuted it at the finale American Idol with a performance medley that included "Follow the Leader", and the song made its premiere on Ryan Seacrest's radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest on May 24, 2012 and will be released as a single on June 19, 2012.[204]
During an interview with Extra TV Lopez confirmed that she had been working on a possible tour;[205] she had previously talked about the possibility of a tour after the release of Love? around June 2011, which never materialized, as it could have jeapordised her position as a judge on American Idol.[206] On June 23 and 27 Lopez will perform for her first headlining concert in Brazil for the Pop Music Festival in Sao Paulo.[207] Furthermore, reports have said that Lopez is set to tour Latin America, with plans of visiting Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru and Chile.[208] Since this, sources have reported that Lopez is planning her first ever global world tour, which will have legs in United States, South America, Europe and Asia; and over 60 dates.[209][210] It was announced on April 30, 2012 that Lopez would be going on a co-headlining world tour with Enrique Iglesias.[211] The tour will earn Lopez an estimated $US13 million.[189] Before this begins, Lopez will begin her Dance Again World Tour which will carry out throughout her tour with Iglesias.
Lopez is involved in multiple films, the first time she has been in years. She starred as Holly — a woman who adopts a baby from abroad with her husband after difficulty conceiving — in What to Expect When You're Expecting.[212] The film was released to theaters on May 18, 2012.[213] Lopez voices Shira in the upcoming animated film, Ice Age: Continental Drift which is the fourth movie in the Ice Age series.[214] Another film which Lopez has shot her parts for, Parker will be released in 2013.[215][216] Director Taylor Hackford has stated that the movie development has gone well, praising Lopez in a comment stating "I'm not kidding, this woman can really act. The last several years she's been doing romantic comedies – that's a talent, but as a dramatic actress she's got fantastic chops."[217] On May 16, 2012, Forbes placed Lopez first on their "Celebrity 100 List", in turn naming her the most powerful celebrity in the world for their 2012 edition. She beat out Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga for the title, having earned $US52 million from May 2011–May 2012.[218] Dorothy Pomerantz from Forbes staff said that it was due to her role as judge on American Idol, endorsement deals, fragrances and her much publicized personal life in the past year.[219] This was a considerable jump on the list, considering the previous year she was number 50.[189]
Products and endorsements
In 2003, Lopez was in a pepsi commercial featuring Beyoncé Knowles and David Beckham entitled "Samurai".[220] She endorses several L'Oréal products, and was named "L'Oréal Paris Global Brand Ambassador" In December 2010.[221][222][223] She has shot several adds for the endorsement deal.[223] Lopez's recent L'Oreal EverSleek campaign made its debut during the Golden Globes ad break, kicking it off in a big way.[224] Products that Lopez has endorsed for L'Oreal recently include El Vive Triple Resist, True Match, Color Riche, GlamShine, and Voluminous Lashes commercials, the EverSleek commercial and print ads, and the Infallible Lip Color and ElVive Triple Resist print ads. In 2011, Lopez endorsed and promoted a variety of products. In addition to L'Oréal, lopez endorses Gillette women's products, such as the "Get Your Goddess Showing" project.[225] She was named the first ever "Gillette-Venus Global Ambassador" In 2011, too.[226][227] She recorded a cover of "Venus" by Shocking Blue for her Gillette-Venus advertisement.[228] Lopez is a spokesperson for Harmon Kardon home surround sound system.[229][230] Lopez is the face of TOUS Jewelry.[231][232] Lopez is a spokesperson for Lux shampoo in Japan, appearing in the product's television commercials. As of late 2011, she promotes FIAT cats in the United States.[233] Her advertisements for the brand have garnered negative reviews, and in January 2012 a United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) group told Lopez to end her endorsement for problems with the FIAT brand which "freely does business with a regime that is developing an illegal nuclear weapons program."[234]
Fashion lines
Lopez launched a lifestyle brand in 2001. Called J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, the line included different types of clothing for young women, including jeans, T-shirts, coats, belts, purses, and lingerie, a jewelry line,[235] and an accessory line that includes hats, gloves, and scarves.[236] Lopez participated in the Louis Vuitton Winter 2003 campaign. In February 2005, Lopez unveiled her fashion line entitled "Sweetface" at New York Fashion Week.[237] She worked on the line with Andy Hilfiger.[238] The launch at New York Fashion Week received mixed reviews, mainly positive, Metanoya Webb, from InStyle Magazine reviewed: "It's a step up from her teen-age, pop line. It's definitely more mature, and it's more of a replica of what Jennifer does. It was a reflection of her, and I liked that."[237] Some also noted that the launch of "Sweetface" focused more on the show and arrangement rather than the clothes, themselves.[239] Lopez has a lingerie line with Victoria Beckham.[240]
Lopez's frequent use of animal fur in her clothing lines has brought the scorn of people concerned with animal rights.[241] At the Los Angeles premiere of Monster-in-Law, more than 100 protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) held a demonstration to highlight their concerns.[242] Director of marketing, Charlie Ross said "Jennifer Lopez is a great lover of fur. She is always photographed wearing fur and it was a material she loves and wanted to use. Sweetface is a luxury label and Jennifer wanted her furs. She told me her favourite piece in the collection is a fabulous bleached silver fox coat with strips of the fox stitched onto a chiffon back."[243]
In late 2007, Lopez retired JLO by Jennifer Lopez and launched a new juniors' line called JustSweet.[244] In June 2009, it was announced that "Sweetface" was put on hiatus,[245] and later announced that it was closed down.[246] In 2011, Lopez and her ex-husband, Marc Anthony launched a joint fashion line at Kohls; Anthony would work on the menswear and Lopez on the female clothing line. The lines were described as "high-quality contemporary."[238] Lopez labelled her personal line as "affordable and completely her style." The line was released in October 2011.[247][248] Anthony's line, too was released around the same time.[249] They both worked with Tommy Hilfiger for the fashion lines.[238] Anthony, at the grand opening of the line at a Jersey department store, said that they collaborated on the work, and noted how hard Lopez had worked on her line, he said he was "very proud of her."[250]
Fragrances
Lopez is credited for bringing back celebrity perfume endorsements, which was "dead" since the late 1980s.[197] She ventured in the perfume industry with her debut Glow by J.Lo, which can be purchased anywhere including every-day shopping outlets like Macy's and pharmacy chains.[251] Lopez said that she wanted Glow to be "Sexy and sensual."[252] Glow by J.Lo has a scent of orange, grapefruit, jasmine, orris, Irises, vanilla and musk.[253] Still by Jennifer Lopez was released as the third major fragrance in October 2003;[254] it is described as "the scent of a woman," and "A scent that captures the way a woman feels when she has discovered herself. Real and true. Serene and sensual."[255] Glow by J.Lo and Still were very successful in the fragrance market.[256]
In 2005, Lopez launched three new fragrances: Miami Glow, Love at First Glow and Live.[257] In 2006 she released Glow After Dark. In 2008, she released Deseo, Deseo Forever, Deseo for Men (her first male fragrance) and Live Platinum.[257] Sunkissed Glow and My Glow were released in 2009, My Glow was inspired by the birth of her children.[257] TLC, a division of Discovery Communications Inc, had signed Lopez to an unscripted reality series about the launching of her new fragrance,[258] but the series never materialized. Her next fragrance was Blue Glow.[257] Her 15th fragrance Love & Glamour was released in October 2010.[259] Her 16th fragrance is L.A. Glow, inspired by L.A. Nightlife.[260] She launched her 17th fragrance Love & Light on HSN In July 2011, where it sold 51,000 bottles in six hours, her most successful fragrance launch to date.[261][262] Her 18th fragrance, Glowing has been announced.[197][263] Apart from Fragrances, Lopez has endorsed several other products.
Philanthropy
Lopez is an avid supporter of Children's Hospital Los Angeles and was presented with the Children's Humanitarian Award at the hospital's inaugural Noche de Niños gala in September 2004. Lopez continues to attend the annual red carpet event and is a regular visitor to the hospital. The singer participated in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon benefiting the hospital in 2008.
On February 14, 2007, Lopez received the Artists for Amnesty International award "in recognition of her work as producer and star of Bordertown, a film exposing the ongoing murders of hundreds of women in the border city of Juárez, Mexico". Nobel Peace Prize winner José Ramos-Horta presented the award to Lopez at the Berlin International Film Festival. She also received special recognition and thanks from Norma Andrade, co-founder of Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa A.C. ("May Our Daughters Return Home, Civil Association"), an organization consisting of mothers and families of the murdered women of Juárez. Lopez has also been involved in promoting vaccination for whooping cough.[264] Lopez is working with Sounds of Pertussis and March of Dimes to promote awareness about the disease and encourage vaccination of adults to prevent spread of disease to infants.[265]
Lopez has been featured in two charity singles. In 2001, along with several other popular artists, Lopez was featured on an album featuring verses of the song "What's Going On" under the name "Artists Against AIDS Worldwide", to benefit AIDS foundations in Africa.[266][267] Other notable artists featured are Britney Spears, Ja Rule, Nas, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Nelly Furtado, Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, Destiny's Child, Wyclef Jean, Backstreet Boys among numerous others. Produced before the September 11 attacks, after the attacks the proceeds were given to American Red Cross, too.[266][267] The same month, Lopez was featured on the song "El Ultimo Adios (The Last Goodbye)" along with 60 other Latin artists, in memory of the September 11 attacks to help raise money for families and charities involved or affected.[268]
Lopez owns a foundation with her sister, Lynda Lopez, entitled The Maribel Foundation.[269] The foundation was publicly launched In June 2010.[269] The foundation's purpose is to bring wellbeing to mothers and children from under-privileged communities, in particular people who cannot afford medical services; and give people information about critical child and health care topics.[270] The Maribel Foundation worked with Telemedicine clinics abroad and near to increase healthcare for serious cases.[271] "Telemedicine" is a delivery system that uses technology (telecommunications) to conduct medical diagnoses, consultations, treatments, transfers of data, education of physicians, and dissemination of public health alerts and/or emergency updates.[271]
Lopez had previously announced the foundation in 2008 at the Woman's Conference.[272] The foundation's slogan is "Where children are concerned, there is no time to lose."[273] Lopez has stated that inspiration came to her to build The Maribel Foundation after she discovered a bump on her daughter's head days after her birth; Emme turned out to be fine however Lopez felt that there are mothers out there and children, who don't have adequate access to medical information and she felt that she had to help in some way.[274] For her foundation, Lopez recording a song, "One Step At a Time", dedicated to her twins. It was included on an album for the foundation, Every Mother Counts a CD which was released exclusively to Starbucks.[275][276] The album was devoted fully to mothers. Lopez was one of the recipients of Love Our Children USA's "Mothers Who Make A Difference" awards in 2009.[277] On October 25, 2011, The Maribel Foundation received a $500,000 dollar donation pledge from Samsung and Best Buy.[278][279] An advertisement featuring Lopez promoting Samsung products for The Maribel Foundation has aired.[280]
Artistry
Musical style and themes
Lopez grew up with a heavy influence and love of music from her mother, who played records and sang constantly.[24] During her early days in the music industry, she was viewed as a teen pop culture icon; despite being in her late-twenties, it was for the reasoning of her brand and music appealing to a younger generation.[282] Lopez's music and the genre which it has been perceived as, has ranged from pop and Latin pop,[283] to Dance, Funk and R&B.[284] She has stated that the basis for her music is always the subject of Love, "I've been singing about Love since my first album. Its a really complex topic, and now that im at a really good place in my life, in a really good relationship [...] i can look at it in a different way."[285] In her debut single, "If You Had My Love" Lopez confronts her lover with questions and ground rules before they can begin commit to a relationship.[281] The lead single from her sophomore album J.Lo (2001) "Love Don't Cost a Thing" is the tale of a materialistic relationship—critics have questioned the song, believing that it's inspiration came from her high-profiled relationship with rapper Sean Combs. Lopez's third studio album, is more adult-oriented R&B and was much of its lyrical themes speak of her love for her then-fiance Ben Affleck. During the production of the album, Lopez stated "I wrote a lot of songs inspired, in a way, by what I was going through at the time that this album was being made, and he [Affleck] was definitely a big part of that."[286] Songs from the album such as "Baby I Love U! and "Dear Ben" gush about her being a hopeless romantic.[281] "I, Love" from Rebirth (2005) is a mid-tempo song, in which Lopez wants to convince her lover that she truly cares for him, suggesting that their romance is real despite his ignorant behavior. The title track from her full-Spanish language album Como Ama una Mujer (2007) lyrically speaks about listening to the heart's desire and first instinct regardless of the relationship's outcome.[281] In her seventh studio album, entitled Love?, Lopez covers topics such as her past loves in her songs, "One Love" and "(What Is) Love?" which she goes into details through lyrics about her remaining an optimistic about love.[287] In "(What Is) Love?" Lopez sings about struggling in the search for true love, talking about how she's had blind dates, dated church boys and musicians but is tired of it all.[281]
Lopez has a classic soubrette vocal type; her voice has been called limited.[288][289] Many critics have said that Lopez has never had a strong voice, but observe that she is the complete package performer with a thin voice.[290] Lopez has always had an insecurity about the strength of her voice from the start, “The voice was always there, I was just so insecure about it in the beginning," she said in an interview.[291] She has also said that "I’m very proud of who I am as a vocalist from where I started."[291] Tom Sinclair from Entertainment Weekly noted that she has always had her "way" with hooks, and works with a variety of producers.[292] Lopez has received critiscm for her voice not being strong enough over the course of her music career. Adam Markovitz from Entertainment Weekly has said that "despite the star power she emits on screen, her vocals have always been less than stellar" and that she "often sounds limited and nasal, with a flatness that can feel downright Rebecca Black-esque at its worst."[293] Wheresoever, others have said differently; fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson said that "She doesn't have the biggest voice in the world, but she can sing. It's the (complete) package [...]"[294] Jackson also said "While we're sitting there judging she's always singing these songs and I go, 'You really do sing!'"[295] Daniel Chang from The Spectator said "Lopez will achieve more success as an actress than she will as a singer. Which is to say, Lopez can sing, but there are better introductions to Latin and R&B music out there."[296]
In late 2007, The York Press wrote "So far into her career, Lopez is at last making great records. Her voice now has greater depth and is infused with Latin passion, which frankly was missing on her earlier records. Her material is also far stronger," around the releases of Como Ama Una Mujer and Brave.[132] The York Press also complimented Lopez for not needing as much "digital enhancement" on her voice compared to Britney Spears.[132] They also said that "Lopez stunned many with [...] Como Ama una Mujer, which at last proved that she is a major musical force."[132] A writer from The Sun said "'On the 6' makes it clear she can sing. [Jennifer] Lopez has no trouble handling the material presented to her [...] No doubt about it, as a singer, Lopez has a lot of talent and stylistic range. Instead, she ends up doing impressions, singing as other, more distinctive, performers might have. So when producer Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs fabricates a lush, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-type groove, she responds by offering her best Janet Jackson imitation." He went on to say: "It isn't as if Lopez is merely a chameleon, without a sound to call her own. Her breathily romantic duet with Marc Anthony, the Spanish-language love song "No Me Ames," reveals depths and resonance unheard in other tracks. Likewise, there's a sassy confidence beneath the romantic dismissal of "It's Not That Serious" that suggests Lopez may yet attain the awesome power of diva-hood."[297] Tom Sinclair of Entertainment Weekly commented on Lopez's vocals saying, "There's no way to know if Jennifer Lopez's voice is mechanically altered or not, but on the recorded evidence of her sophomore album, J.Lo, her singing seems to be in key".[298] In a review of her seventh studio album, Love?, Alex Macpherson from BBC Music complimented Lopez, "(She) possesses both a lightness of touch and the effortless confidence of one of nature's own divas, which means that whenever she hits the floor to essay up-tempo swagger tracks she convinces without being as overbearing. Love? seeks to showcase her vulnerability and depth of feeling."[299]
Influences
From a musical perspective, Lopez has viewed Madonna as a big influence.[300] In an interview with NY Rock, when asked who was her first biggest musical influence, Lopez stated "I think Madonna. For my era growing up, [she] was the quintessential performer, and a push-the-envelope type of person. I don't think that I'm a push-the-envelope type of person. But I think Madonna was so visionary. And in her shows, she was so expressive. So that was very inspiring for me as a young girl. I remember seeing a lot of her shows."[301] According to Fouz-Hernández, female pop performers like Lopez were like "Madonna's daughters in the very direct sense that they grew up listening to and admiring Madonna, and decided they wanted to be like her."[302] Other musical influences for Lopez include Selena,[303] Janet Jackson,[304] Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Gloria Estefan, Deborah Gibson, Paula Abdul, Spice Girls and Salt-N-Pepa.[305] Lopez has credited Barbra Streisand as her idol, saying that she felt that she "graduated" from music when she sang Streisand's music.[306] Pop music critic Gene Stout commented that Janet Jackson in particular has influenced a younger generation of performers including Lopez.[307] Lopez has also stated that newer artists have also more "inspired" her rather than influenced her as an artist, such as Lady GaGa. Lopez told MTV News that "I'm always motivated by other artists and inspired by them. They inspire me because when i see other people doing great things, it makes me want to do great things too. I never am one to look at other people and try to do what they do. I always feel like a true artist does what they do and it is very very individual to who they are. I love her [Gaga] sense of lyric and melody, I feel like she’s very interesting. It’s just not something you’re gonna hear everyday. I really love the records she worked on and was glad to be able to take those and make them my own and actually have that collaboration with her. I feel very lucky to have done that."[308] After motherhood, Lopez also credited her twins as a huge influence in the direction of her music, "You can't help but put not only your kids into it, but to put anything you are going through in your music. That's the only thing you can really sing or write is stuff that you know. The more music you make and the more that you get into it and the more you write, the more you realize that's all you can write."[287] Lopez has credited former husband Marc Anthony for giving her confidence to sing, stating in a 2012 interview with Vogue Magazine "He always told me what a beautiful voice I have [sic] He was like, ‘It’s in there; you just gotta let it out. It’s a confidence thing with you.’ Then all of a sudden one day I was like, ‘I’m good at this!’"[309]
Music videos and choreography
Lopez surrounded by men in her music video for "
Papi" during a dance break
Lopez is well known for her upbeat pop songs and Latin-pop influenced dancing abilities. She is professionally trained dancer[310]—initially beginning her career as a dancer ("fly girl") on In Living Color from 1991 to 1993, before venturing into acting and later a recording career.[311] She began to learn and master different dance techniques from self-paid dance classes, and became a back-up dancer for Janet Jackson.[311] When she was a child, she specialized in ballet, jazz and flamenco dancing.[312] She has worked with well known choreographers Dave Scott, Cris Judd (her former husband), Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Travis Payne, Jeri Slaughter, Laurie Ann Gibson, Mia Michaels and Tina Landon.[313] Top 10.com ranked Lopez 5th on their "Top 10 All Time Best Dancers in the World" list, placing her ahead of Gene Kelly, Janet Jackson and M.C. Hammer, describing her as both a glamour queen and a terrific dancer.[314] In her 2004 film Shall We Dance in which she starred opposite Richard Gere, Lopez and Gere danced many genres, including Salsa dance and Ballroom dance.[312][315] In the film, her dance technique received praise.[316]
Lopez's music videos are well known for having dance breaks, including her music videos for "If You Had My Love" (1999) and "Love Don't Cost a Thing" (2000)—she brought back dance breaks in her later music videos for "I'm Into You" and "Papi" (2011).[317] Her debut music video, for "If You Had My Love" directed by Paul Hunter, is notable for its theme of voyeurism; Lopez sings and dances while others watch her from various other locations through different types of screens. The video also includes her "signature" dance break.[318] Her third single Waiting For Tonight's music video is set at a party counting down to The New Year (in this case, being 1999, a "millennium party"), the song's success on the charts was due to the video's anticipated theme towards the year 2000.[319] Lopez's music video for "I'm Glad" (from her third studio album This Is Me...Then) was described as one of he more "complicated" videos which recreated scenes from a 1983 film Flashdance.[320] In the music video for "Get Right" (2005) directed by Francis Lawrence, Lopez sports several different characters including a bartender, stripper, nerdy girl and a superstar among several others all at a nightclub.[321] The video for her comeback single, "On the Floor" (2011) was praised for its sex appeal which was compared to her music video for "I'm Gonna Be Alright" (2002).[322] Matthew Perpetua from Rolling Stone said it was "classic Lopez tweaked for 2011" with upgraded dance-pop style, and a high fashion wardrobe as eccentric as that of Rihanna and Lady Gaga.[323] The music video for "On The Floor" allowed Lopez to enter social media charts[324] and Entertainment Weekly's Tanner Stransky said that the clip brought back the old Lopez that everyone knew and loved, and also added that it was "Sexy and sultry".[325] Her follow up video, "I'm Into You" was praised, Kyle Anderson from Entertainment Weekly applauded her natural beauty and said "that time-out at the three-quarters mark is as sharp as any diva dance break you’ll see."[326] In her music video for "Papi", Lopez consumes a chocolate chip cookie which will allow her "love" to come back, given to her by her apartment mail attendant; she takes too large a bite, resulting in the magic of the cookie to become effective—groups of men chase her around town until her true love finds her.[327] The video received positive feedback, a writer from Huffington Post wrote "Ms. Lopez has still got it —'Jenny from the Block' breaks into a signature group dance number and kills it!"[328] After the release of the video for her single "Dance Again" which featured Lopez's real-life boyfriend, Casper Smart, John Mitchell from MTV News looked back on Lopez's previous videos, saying that she had a "history" of flaunting her men in videos.[329]
Lopez has been nominated for a total of 18 MTV Video Music Awards, winning two throughout her career. She was ranked at number twenty-one on VH1's "50 Greatest Women of the Video Era" list.[330] Throughout her music videos, she has worked with several directors and choreographers, including working with Paul Hunter, Francis Lawrence and Dave Meyers several times.[331][321][332] She is considered a sex symbol through her music videos.[333] Jennifer Lopez considers Janet Jackson a big influence on her dancing and music videos. She has lauded Jackson's videography, stating her music videos "had such an impact on me as a fan but also as an artist."[334] Lopez has named Jackson's music video for "The Pleasure Principle" as her favorite dancing music video of all time.[335]
Legacy
Lopez has been described has having "epitomized the definition of America's sweetheart," having crept into millions of homes with her music, movies, accessories and clothing lines.[312] Her manager, Benny Medina, who Lopez said is her "creative soulmate"[336] has described Lopez as "the best all-rounded entertainer of our generation."[337] Patricia J. Duncan wrote of Lopez in her 1999 Unauthorized biography, calling her a "force to be reckoned with." Ray Martin from 60 Minutes said "She's a rarity," calling one of the "few Hollywood stars you can actually admire [...] when you meet her she's just as gorgeous, just as likeable, as she is on screen." Martin also said that Lopez is "up there with Madonna," having starred in movies alongside leading men like George Clooney, Robert Redford and Jack Nicholson adding that she is a merchandising marvel, too.[338]
Lopez is well-known for being the first Latina actress or singer to be so commercially successful in the limelight; growing up she looked up to puerto-rican born Rita Moreno, as she stated that there were "Zero Latinos on TV, so Rita Moreno was the only one I identified to."[24] Nobel prize recipient, Jose Ramos Horta called Lopez a remarkable women and true inspiration after seing her work on the film, Bordertown.[339] Cindy Pearlman from The Record said that Lopez is responsible for welcoming a "Latina presence to a film industry" as for most of its history it had been a whites-only preserve.[340] In his book, Icons of American Popular Culture, Robert C. Cotrell described Jennifer Lopez as being a Latina Oprah Winfrey, writing that Lopez was the embodiment of the American dream, by "Boasting far more authentic rags-to-riches tale". Cotrell also called her a "multidimensional artist who had turned into a financial powerhouse." He continued on to say the impact she had on both Hollywood and the Spanish world, "In a largely singular fashion, Lopez had demonstrated that a Latina could remain on the Hollywood "A" list, to be a top recording artist, and operate as a major player in the corporate world, with her prefumes alone pulling over $500 million annually."[339] The head of Interscope Records who appears on American Idol, Jimmy Iovine said Lopez has "got that power. She is a force. She brings the whole package—there is very little missing in Jennifer Lopez."[336]
Lopez has had much praise over the course of her career, with several citing her as an inspiration for their own careers. Fellow Latin music artist Kat DeLuna, who is relatively new, said "Jennifer helped pave the way for Latinas like myself. I love her."[341] Actress Kerry Washington also cites Lopez as the actual reason for her career, during an interview with Essence in 2012, she said "I grew up blocks away from Jennifer Lopez. She and I went to the same Boys & Girls Club. She was like the dancer who made it big and moved to Hollywood. I don't know if I would've taken a risk in my career if it weren't for you (Jennifer)."[342] Popstar Britney Spears says Lopez has become a major "beauty" icon and Idol for herself; Spears said "Jennifer Lopez is my idol – she's so beautiful and even though she's gotten older, she hasn't aged at all. She looks more amazing than ever and I really admire and respect that."[343] Kelly Osbourne said that she admires Lopez, stating that "Jennifer Lopez was voted The Most Beautiful Woman in the World by People magazine. I couldn't agree more. I've met her and she's stunning."[344][345]
Co-star and singer Cheryl Cole has stated that she wants to have a body like Jennifer Lopez.[346] In fact, Lopez's body has had such an impact on the world (in particularly women) that in a 2011 survey by "Nutrisystem Diet Index", it was proved that most American women would have Lopez's "lean legs and bubble butt".[347][348] Reality Television star Kim Kardashian has named Lopez a style icon,[349] Kardashian branded Lopez's personal fashion sense/style as "fun and flirty and sexy, just feminine. I love her!", and said she is a major style inspiration for her.[349] Raquel Castro, her co-star from Jersey Girl (Now 17 years old and was a contestant on American singing show The Voice), had stated she had a strong bond with her on-screen mother from the film, and that Lopez had been her main role model for her career from the start;[350] "Jennifer Lopez has been my role model from the start. I wore out my VCR tape of the movie Selena, probably watching it a million times; when I found out I had been chosen to play her daughter in a feature-film, OMG I was screaming like crazy."[350] Australian R&B singer Jessica Mauboy has said stated that she is a big fan of Lopez.[351] Singer-songwriter Michael Doughty said that Lopez was a key inspiration for reviving his music career as a solo artist after leaving his band, Soul Coughing "One of the key moments was seeing a Jennifer Lopez video (around 1999) [...] She's a year older than me and she's in this video and she's in the Bronx and going out clubbing and going to the beauty salon. I'd thought, well I'm 29, my life's over, I'm elderly. And I looked at her and thought, she's 30, how is she walking? [...] the revelation came watching a Jennifer Lopez video."[352] Nicki Minaj has stated "I love J-Lo. I love what she's done for pop culture I have nothing but respect for her."[353] Actress Anna Kendrick who was her co-star in the film What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012), has described her as "the most beautiful creature on the planet" and said that "The way she looks in person is mind-blowing."[354]
Lopez also is well known for her fashion sense and style. Us Weekly named Lopez as Style Icon of the 2000–2010 decade.[355] Lopez's most memorable Fashion moment in her career was the Green Versace "Jungle Dress" that she wore at the 42nd Grammy Awards In 2000.[356] A poll by Debenhams, published in the Daily Telegraph, voted it the fifth most iconic dress of all time.[14] It has been cited along with the Elizabeth Hurley's black Versace dress as being the top dresses that made Versace a household name and the turning point in designer Donatella Versace's career after the death of her brother Gianni Versace. The dress is currently on display at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. For her Fashion sense, Lopez has earned several awards including a VH1 Award and Vogue Fashion Award in 1999 for "Most Fashionable Female Artist", achieving multiple other awards since for outstanding achievements and recognition. Lopez was complimented in an article for Elle, in which the author wrote – "She wears little visible makeup, and with her hair in a bun, huge hoop earrings, and a long halterdress on, she's squarely in casual-mother mode, a style Diane von Furstenberg describes as "exotic and earthy."[357] Lopez cites Urban, Edgy Bronx style as a contribution to her continuing fashion style.[358] Lopez says she is a fan of "Glamour" and "Old Hollywood Movie Stars" as a fashion sense.[359] Aside from her fashion sense in clothes, Lopez has changed her personal appearance multiple times, scoring several different hairstyles over the years.[360] Lopez's two-piece (eventually stripped down to a body-suit) "train dress highlighting her curves and flawless skin"[361] at the 2011 American Music Awards was both welcomed and praised but was received mixed and negatively, too.[362][363] Despite popularity and favoritism with her outfits, Lopez has also received negativity; the dress she wore in 2011 to the BAFTA Gala gave her the title of "Worst Dressed" of the evening along with others, most likely due to her open-abs section.[364] Apart from her image as a public fashion icon, Lopez has constantly displayed disappointment in a continuing rumor that states she is a demanding "diva",[365][366][367] however at the same time is considered a talented "diva" too.[368] Several others such as her 'American Idol co-worker Nigel Lythgoe has stated these rumors are wrong. The popularity of her personal life in the media has been a focus too, Jacqueline Springer reported in 2001, "'bling bling' to the fullest, she is high fashion's sole voluptuous mannequin and to the tabloids, well, she's more return value that an annual Travelcard."[369]
Lopez is the wealthiest Hispanic in Hollywood, and is described as the most influential Hispanic performer in the United States.[339] As of 2010, Lopez has sold an estimated 55 million records worldwide, making her one of the best selling musical artists of all time.[370] In addition to this, Billboard ranked her as the 27th Artist of the 2000–2010 decade.[4] VH1 ranked her 16 on their list of "100 Greatest Women In Music" In 2012.[371] In November 1998, Lopez was named "Sexiest Woman of the Year" by Details magazine.[372] Lopez appeared on FHM's 100 sexiest women list multiple times, notably being listed as No. 1 in 2000 and 2001, No. 4 in 2002, No. 6 in 2003, No. 7 in 2004. She is the first woman to top the list for two consecutive years.[373] In People en Español's list of "100 Most Influential Hispanics" addition in February 2007, Lopez was listed first; the Top 100 also included the likes of Shakira and Enrique Iglesias.[7] On The Hollywood Reporter's Annual Actress Salary List, Lopez has appeared in 2004, 2003 and 2002.[10] She is the only Latina actress to accomplish this, or even appear within the top ten of this list.[10] Her role in the 1998 film Out of Sight earned her a paycheck of over $1 million, making her the world's highest-paid Latin actress.[50] In 2001, Lopez became the first female to have a film and album both be number one at the same time in the United States.[23][69][71] In 2011, she was named "World's Most Beautiful Woman" by People's Choice magazine.[374]
Lopez comeback to music in 2011 with her single "On the Floor" in addition to her multiple endorsement deals, clothing line and appointment as judge on American Idol is considered the best comeback of the year,[375][376] and is regarded as one of the best comebacks of all time.[187] Her music video for "On The Floor" was viewed 454 million times in the space of 2011, to become the most-viewed video of the year,[377] the most-watched video by a female artist, and the second most viewed video of all time, behind teen-idol Justin Bieber's "Baby".[378][379] In 2012, Forbes placed her number on on the most powerful celebrity list with earnings of $US52 million in the past year.[336]
| Author: | Bling King |
| Published: | May 26th 2012 |
| Modified: | May 26th 2012 |
