Following a stunning career reincarnation that saw her top Forbes’ Celebrity 100 power list this year, Jennifer Lopez rolls into Dubai this week on a greatest hits tour. Lopez has been a public figure since 1999 when she released hit debut LP On the 6 – named after the NYC subway line she used to take home to Brooklyn. Six albums later, and this summer she celebrated a landmark with the release of greatest hits compilation Dance Again… the Hits. We grabbed the 43-year-old singer and actress to talk about motherhood, balancing two careers and rumours of getting her behind insured.
A lot has changed during her 14 years in the industry.
‘The music industry is very different today than when I released my first record. I think the business of music has changed, but that the love of music by the fans has not.’
She gave birth to twins in 2008, but motherhood doesn’t hold her back career-wise.
‘Being in the entertainment business and the public eye is not always easy to juggle. Then add a personal and family life to the mix – it can be difficult at times. But I’ve been fortunate to have been doing what
I love doing for so many years. Music and dance was really how I started my career – these are my first loves.’
Lopez is as famous for her work in Hollywood as her music career, starring in movies including Out of Sight alongside George Clooney in 1998, and Maid in Manhattan in 2002.
‘I love both acting and music. Being an actress and creating music as an artist are really my passions. Looking back over my film roles and music releases, they all seem to come at a time when it makes sense in my life. Art and life sometimes reflect each other. [If I had to choose between the two careers], that would be a hard choice. I don’t think I could do without either. Both are creative sources that are so different. Acting is like the heart, music is like the soul.’
Over the past 14 years, Lopez’s generous posterior has developed a celebrity of its own, as well as keeping a slew of tabloids in business, leading to rumours she has had it insured for several million dollars. Is it true?
‘No, that’s just a rumour.’
Interview: Jake Newby. J-Lo plays at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Thursday November 22. Doors open 6pm, show starts 9pm. Tickets Dhs295-1,495, www.timeouttickets.com
