Jennifer Lopez Gets Real

Among the certainties in this life are we’re all going to die, we have to pay taxes, and we should never write off a force of nature like Jennifer Lopez. Following her sizzling stint as a Fly Girl on the sketch-comedy show In Living Color, Lopez spent more than a decade as an in-demand star in hit films such as Selena, Out of Sight, and The Wedding Planner. She diversified her appeal with a string of albums that produced hits like “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “Jenny From the Block.” Yet last year  her highly anticipated romantic comedy The Back-up Plan was released to disappointing box office and Lopez's single "Louboutins" failed to garner airplay and she was reportedly dropped from her label, Epic.

But you can’t keep a good Latina down. Lopez, parent to twins with her husband, entertainer Marc Anthony, has stepped into one of the vacant judging spots on the TV juggernaut American Idol. Last week Lopez debuted the video for her latest single, “On the Floor,” on the show and saw the catchy song (just try not to hum along to Lopez’s sample of the ’80s hit “The Lambada”) catapult to the top of the iTunes charts in the U.S. and nine other countries. Her next album, Love, is due this spring. While judging the competition series, Lopez,  usually composed and unflappable, demonstrated a more emotional side than fans had previously seen when she was forced to eliminate Chris Medina, a fan favorite who was caring for a disabled wife. Lopez broke down in tears, as did many viewers.

Lopez discusses her chart-topping single “On the Floor,” the softer side she’s presented while judging on television, and whether an openly gay contestant can win American Idol.

The Advocate: Congratulations on your new single, “On the Floor,” becoming such a massive hit. But you’ll also be impressed to know that it’s currently my favorite workout song.
Jennifer Lopez: Honestly? That is so cool. We work out to the songs that we love.

Why do you think people are responding so favorably to the song?
I think “On the Floor” captures a feeling. It either hits home in your heart or it captures an energy that’s undeniable. There’re certain elements of this record that are very me — there’s an urban feel to the chorus, and the hip-hop that Pitbull brings to the verse, and there’s the melody. It takes you on a ride. Plus RedOne’s beats these days are undeniable. I’m so happy I got to work with him on this.

The singles you released last year didn’t do as well as expected, so how gratifying is it to see “On the Floor” hit the top of the charts around the world?
It’s awesome when you put out a record and people like it and you hear it on the radio for the first time. Those are the experiences that never get old.