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Jennifer Lopez's star may have dimmed in recent years. She has had back-to-back disappointments at the box office, from Parker (2013) to The Boy Next Door (2015). Her only claim to fame in the movies now is doing voice-overs for the family comedy Ice Age and its sequel. Her last album, A.K.A. was released four years ago, in 2014, and bombed due to lacklustre sales.
But we still love her. We love that she can do it all, and has been one of the "firsts" early on in her career. She was the first Latina to be named Most Beautiful and the first Latina to be paid 1 million for a movie. After that, she became an A-list celeb known not just for her hit singles but also for her rom-com movie successes like Maid in Manhattan. But she's more than that. She's been an entrepreneur and the first Latina to win worldwide acclaim regardless of race, to name a few.
But with fame came demands. For many years now, she's been labeled a diva. There are many stories out there where J-Lo makes demands while on set or while staying at a hotel. From demanding a private jet to a private beach, J-Lo must get what she wants or else she walks. Everything has to be a certain way and she needs certain items to perform. And, while dating A-Rod, she reportedly also gave him a list of demands. Seriously! This does sound like a diva, but then we remember Jenny from the block, and immediately we're reminded of why we loved her and still do. So, as Lopez nears 50, here are 10 things we love about her, as well as 10 things that make her a diva.
Why We Love Her: Lopez Is First Latina To Be Named Most Beautiful
People Magazine is often sold out when it lists its Most Beautiful women in Hollywood. And all these celebs were Caucasian, with the exception of Halle Berry. But on April 13 in 2011 People finally put a latina on its cover for their Most Beautiful. It was, of course, Jennifer Lopez.
That issue was monumental, as she was the first Latina ever to be named Most Beautiful. She was at the height of her career then, and she was also at the time down to earth, having come from working-class parents while growing up in the Bronx. She was affectionately named by the press as "Jenny from the Block." But Lopez admits its hard to look amazing. As she said, "The thing is, it's part of my job. I don't want anybody thinking it's easy. It does take time and it's hard work. HDTV wide-screen is nobody's friend!"
Diva: J-Lo Disses Other Actresses
In a 1998 interview, J. Lo dissed other actresses, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Winona Ryder. Here are some samples:
On Gwyneth Paltrow, “Tell me what she's been in? I swear to God, I don't remember anything she was in. Some people get hot by association. I heard more about her and Brad Pitt than I ever heard about her work.
On Winona Ryder, “I was never a big fan of hers. In Hollywood she's revered, she gets nominated for Oscars, but I've never heard anyone in the public or among my friends say, 'Oh, I love her.'"
On Cameron Diaz, "A lucky model who's been given a lot of opportunities. I just wish she would have done more with. She's beautiful and has a great presence, though, and in My Best Friend's Wedding, I thought, 'When directed, she can be good.'"
Why We Love Her: Lopez As Savvy Businesswoman
Jennifer Lopez can do anything. She launched her own fragrance line, Glow by J-Lo, which was part of the star's lifestyle line. According to several business reports, the fragrance was supposed to be a dud and would not sell. Instead, Glow was very successful and was so popular that it sold out at Macy's and other stores. Along with products from Lopez's fashion and lifestyle line, Glow sold $300 million by 2004.
Glow comes in different "flavors," including the first, Miami Glow, as well as the L.A. Glow. In 2012, Glow by J-Lo continued to be such a success that the star released her eighteenth fragrance, Glowing by J-Lo, which was described as the "evolution" of Glow, according to several reports. Glow did more than make her rich. It paved the way for celebrity actress endorsements of fragrances, which has included Halle Berry, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Madonna, among many others.
Diva: Lopez Phones In Her Commercial
Lopez is a talented actress and, back in 2011, was in demand, and at the height of her career. Marketers knocked on her door offering her unbelievable sums to sponsor their products. Lopez chose Fiat and became its spokesperson in 2011. The story behind the commercial was that it would showcase J-Lo’s background. She was supposed to drive through the Bronx, where she lived when she was young, and the commercial would be inspiring, to show how she raised from rags to riches.
But J-Lo never left where she lived, Los Angeles, to film her portion in the Bronx. It turns out that Lopez only agreed to be in the commercial as long as she didn’t have to actually go to the Bronx. Can you believe that? So how did the thing go down? A body double was used to drive down the streets of J.Lo’s hometown when the commercial was supposed to be about the singer’s life story. All of Lopez’s scenes (so the close-ups and the driving) were shot in Los Angeles.
Why We Love Her: J-Lo Is Just Like Us!
It turns out J-Lo is a big fan of rom-coms. No wonder, as she herself starred in the most popular rom-coms of all time, all of which became box-office hits. There was The Wedding Planner (2001), Maid in Manhattan (2002) and Monster-in-Law (2005). But it turns out that J-Lo, however creative she is, is being typecast, because all the movies she starred in that were not fun comedies failed at the box office. Have you heard of Parker, The Boy Next Door, Home and Lila & Eve? Thought so.
Still, J. Lo loves a good rom com. "I've always loved 'When Harry Met Sally,'" J. Lo told Redbook. "[It's] because it really shows men and women and how they are when it comes to relationships. I also love 'Prelude to a Kiss,' because it's about someone being in love with not the shell of the woman but her soul, and that's what I always wanted — someone to love me for my soul, for me as I really am."
Diva: Extravagant Hotel Demands
In a now infamous scandal, J-Lo stayed at the posh Dorchester Hotel in London in 2007 for two days to promote her new single “Do It Well.” Before she arrived, her assistants sent the famous hotel a detailed two-page list of her demands. The Daily Mail UK got hold of the list and, unfortunately, it makes J-Lo look very diva-ish.
The list included having a vase full of lilies or white roses, grapefruit and lime blossom candles from the renowned (and expensive) Jo Malone, baked cookies, plain M&Ms, bottled water and soft drinks, to name a few. For electrics, she needed a microwave, a coffeemaker, a toaster, two humidifiers and two oscillating fans. The temperature also had to be 80F/26C. And since her favorite color was white, the flowers had to be white and the sheets had to be white.
Why We Love Her: J-Lo Continues To Break Records
We love Jennifer Lopez because she starred in a movie where she portrayed the late Selena Quintanilla in 1997. Lopez introduced us to Quintanilla, as many people had no idea who she was. J-Lo confessed that it's because of the Selena movie that she decided to go for a career in music.
But it turns out J,Lo didn't need to choose. She could be both singer and actress and ended up being successful for each, as well as making history for all her projects. For the role of Selena Quintanilla in Selena, Lopez became the first Latina ever to get paid 1 million bucks. In 2001, Lopez once again made history by becoming the first star and singer to have the #1 movie--The Wedding Planner--and a #1 album--J.Lo--in the same week. For the 2005 comedy Monster-In-Law, she earned an incredible 15 million dollars, and again made history by being the highest paid Latina in all of Hollywood at that time.
Diva: White Or Nothing
J-Lo loves white, so while on tours and in her homes, everything has to be white. For example, in 2010, Lopez and many other celebs joined together for an all-star charity remake of Marvin Gaye’s most signature hit, “What’s Going On.” Reportedly, she was only supposed to be filmed for 8 seconds. But that didn’t stop Lopez asking for what she needed. She didn’t even downgrade her needs knowing that she was doing charity work.
So, for her to be featured singing the remake, she asked for a 45-foot trailer that needed to come with white drapes, Jo Malone candles, white couches, white lilies, white tablecloths and, this time, apple pie (à la mode), rather than cookies and M&Ms. According to Lopez, not everything has to be white. She went on record saying, "There was this rumor that I needed white flowers and white linens wherever I went. “'Everything has to be white or she won’t go in the room!'” That's not true.” According to several sources, it turns out it is, in fact, true.
Why We Love Her: Because Of Her beauty
Before Kim K kept showing her body for all her social media fans, there was Lopez, who showed off her curvy body in movies, videos and while singing. As Lopez once said, "There's only one Coca-Cola, baby!" So how does she keep her body booty-ful at 48? Well, she eats a salt and sugar-free diet. She told Hello Magazine that if you take care of yourself, you end up taking care of others:
"I am 100 per cent convinced that working out is part of what makes me so happy. Dance has always been a huge part of my life and taking the time to move my body and do something that's so good for me is key to my happiness. And I really believe that when you take care of yourself and work to stay healthy, you're better able to take care of those you love. So working out is definitely a priority for me."
Diva: Lopez’s Demands Got Herself Fired
Jennifer Lopez is a huge draw for any event. She is bound to set records and perform in concerts to great acclaim, but because she is so famous, her demands can be a tad high. In 2013, Lopez was set to headline the opening ceremony of India’s Premier League cricket tournament. This is a huge deal, as the event has more than 60 million television viewers. But during negotiations, the NY Post discovered that Lopez’s longtime manager, Benny Medina, requested on behalf of the singer a private plane and several hotel rooms for her staff (stylists, personal chefs, assistants, etc).
The organizers’ behind the show actually said no to J-Lo. It may have been the first! Lopez was dropped for singing at this important sporting events, and a source for the Post said the singer's demands were "outrageous" and that she "effectively priced herself out of the event." Instead, the event decided to go with Pitbull.
Why We Love Her: We're Inspired By Lopez's Workout Training
It starts in the morning. As Lopez has said, “I try to always to get as much sleep as I can [reportedly 8 hours a night] so that I can start the day well rested and do my morning meditation and affirmations." After that, J-Lo stays in shape with her exercise regimen. She said,
“It’s no secret that I love dancing, so it doesn’t even feel like exercise to me. I freestyle dance with Tracy Anderson (a famous trainer with a celebrity clientele) five times a week. We’ll incorporate light weights (3 lbs) for the arms and moves that focus on the butt and thighs and engage the core.”
Even when she's in New York she has a trainer. She does circuit training with David Kirsch. As Lopez has said, "We do hour-long circuits at least three times a week. It's full-body training — so planks, pushups, boxing — really everything. It’s all about changing it up and keeping your body guessing.” She's even worked out with The Rock!
Diva: Do Not Talk to J-Lo When On a Plane. No Exceptions!
Lopez has to travel all over the world to promote her films and to perform for sold-out crowds. Rumor has it that even up in the air she has demands and rules. It turns out that, when flying first class, she doesn’t like anyone to talk to her or ask her for a photograph or an autograph. Even the flight attendant can’t speak to her.
On one such occasion, a flight attendant who hadn’t known her “Don’t Ask, Don’t Talk” requirement asked her if she wanted something to drink and Lopez just sat in her seat and refused to acknowledge him. Instead, she asked her assistant to relay her message to the attendant, which was “Please tell him I’d like a Diet Coke and lime.” This is consistent with several reports that Lopez doesn't speak to people in the hospitality and service people directly, but goes through her assistants instead. Even though the service person can hear Lopez telling the request to one of her assistants!
Why We Love Her: Lopez Eats Healthy, But She Also Eats Junk Food Just Like Us!
So, we now know how J-Lo's workout routine keeps her body fab, not flab. But to keep in shape we've given you secrets about her diet. Since she travels a lot, as we mentioned, she's always staying in hotels. But that can ruin a person's figure, especially if she or he is relying on room service and eating steak and eggs.
So before she gets to a hotel, it's a requirement that certain foods must be available when she arrives at her suite. First, she needs a fruit platter consisting of watermelon, green seedless grapes, pineapple, and mango. Second, she needs a veggie platter, which should consist of carrots, broccoli and ranch dressing. And here's what she also requires that make us feel good about ourselves. She's a lover of junk food, and so there must be sweets and sour cream and onion potato chips in her suite. For a healthier snack, Planters Sunflower seeds with shells also need to be around.
Diva: The Time When J-Lo Requested a Private Beach and a Custom Speedboat
True, Jenny From the Block is special and talented. In 1991, Lopez was chosen from a pool of 2,000 applicants to be a Fly Girl dancer on the popular sketch comedy show In Living Color. Who knew then that J-Lo would end up demanding a lot if requested to appear on some event. Such as when she performed at the World Music Awards in 2010, and J-Lo and her assistants dropped a bomb on the events coordinator.
Apparently, these outrageous and lavish demands included J-Lo having a custom-fitted speedboat with a refrigerator full of champagne, diamond-encrusted (!) headphones, a masseuse, an entire hotel floor just for herself, a private beach and a butler. Oh wait, drop the last one. Lopez didn’t need a butler this time. And how dare she not have headphones that have been encrusted with diamonds! She needs them. What else would she be doing on a private beach but listening to music?
Why We Love Her: J-Lo Doesn't Age
How does a 48-year-old woman have radiant skin without resorting to any kind of alteration? J-Lo does it naturally. She says she loves “glycolic acid to get that healthy glow and clear skin. I never go to bed without taking my makeup off. . . And I use night creams to keep my skin hydrated." For daytime, she uses a moisturizer with SPF, in particular from L’Oréal Paris, where she was once a spokeswoman for the beauty company. You have to use it every day though because you have to "protect your skin all the time." But that's not all that she does to get flawless skin.
She also drinks a lot of water. After a workout she'll drink to refuel her body and to rehydrate. Lopez once said, "I think drinking lots of water and fresh foods with lots of fruits and vegetables... all play into the quality of a skin's appearance."
Diva: Maid In Germany
It’s not just while riding first class where J-Lo requests her privacy, above all from staff like flight attendants. She’s the same way with hotels. DO NOT SPEAK TO J-LO or else you’ll get fired! This isn’t a joke. In 2012, Lopez was staying at the Melia Dusseldorf in Germany and it was reported that she had a maid fired from her job. The maid, Pray Dodaj, apparently, spoke to Lopez’s assistant about possibly getting an autograph. The assistant denied the request after consulting the diva. Lopez reportedly was astonished that the maid had asked for the autograph since she assumes that everywhere she goes, servers and the help know of her request for privacy. So she arranged to have the woman fired! The next morning, Dodaj was, in fact, fired. She even went on record to say:
"A day later the cleaning company that employed me at the hotel called and said the Ms. Lopez had complained…I was fired right there on the phone because of an autograph." You’d think that Lopez would have an affinity with maids as she starred as one in the 2002 movie Maid in Manhattan. In the movie, Lopez was fired for a similar indiscretion. Oh, the irony!
Why We Love Her: She's Always Best Dressed
J-Lo dresses for success. She can go back and be Jenny from the Block by wearing jeans that actually makes her look glam rather than uninspired. And then she can go on the red carpet and look like the A-lister leading lady while dressed in head-to-toe Versace. In fact, after all these years, style magazines haven't forgotten how great she looked while wearing a green Versace gown that stole the spotlight from everyone on the red carpet doing the 2000 Grammys. (She still has the dress and keeps it on a mannequin in her mega-closet).
She's also a true chameleon. Barely-there dresses make her look classy rather than crass. Her almost nude dresses make her look gorgeous but not intimidating. She even looks good working-out and, above all, she can rock it in mini dresses that lends her a flirtatious feel. And one more thing: J-Lo loves sparkles. A lot of the formal gowns she wears have sequins on them. She also goes bling in metallic jumpsuits and glittered pumps, shining as bright as a diamond.
Diva: Let There Be White (Again)
These days, the phrase "Jenny from the block" no longer applies, as Jen no longer lives modestly. That's due in part to the fact that she sold over 55 million records. But fame makes you a different person, and J-Lo has since become a diva. One example is how J-Lo has specific requirements for her dressing rooms for performances, video shoots and interviews. According to the BBC, J-Lo needs enough dressing rooms for her assistants and stylists. Do you know how many people she employs to assist her? 90 people! Yes, that's not a typo.
Anyway, once again, J-Lo is very particular when it comes to the decor for her dressing room. Everything needs to white. White curtains, furniture, flowers, candles and hotel linen sheets, white anything is only acceptable. The dressing room also is required to have white plates, coffee mugs, thermos cups and silverware.
Why We Love Her: She Can Do Literally Everything
Jennifer Lopez is best known for starring in movies and making her own albums with singles that top the chart the second they are released. She didn't get pigeonholed into being a Latina powerhouse. Instead, she became a Grammy-award winning international superstar without regards to her race. But she's more than that. She's an accomplished dancer, a judge on American Idol, and a woman who makes headlines on the red carpet with every gown she wears.
She has had her own Las Vegas show, has launched her own fragrance line, became a spokesperson for the likes of L'Oreal Paris, and is a shrewd businesswoman who, in the past, has had her own fashion line that included clothing and accessories. She even has a TV show on NBC called Shades of Blue in which she stars as a corrupt NYPD detective Harlee Santos. We don't know how she gets it all done, as she also is a devoted mom to her twins Max and Emme.
Diva: Do Not Talk to J-Lo (Again) And Never Make Eye Contact! OR ELSE!
The trend here is that J-Lo doesn't like to be spoken to by service people such as maids, and will always have her assistant talk to someone if she needs anything. But in 2012, it was well-documented that Lopez required from her staff that no one should talk to her or speak with her. They also could not make eye contact with the diva.
What, does she write down her demands and give them to her assistants? Does she need some Sharpie pens to make those demands crystal clear? Even the staff, the helpers, drivers, or contractors were prohibited from having any interactions with her while renovating her San Fernando Valley home. If any of this sounds unbelievable get this: while dating A-Rod, it was reported she made him a list of demands too. One of them was that he was not allowed to talk to any women under the age of 40. What a great relationship they must've had!
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