'I wanted to be Madonna': Jennifer Lopez reveals pop icon who inspired her growing up
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORA: Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez recently shared how singer-songwriter Madonna influenced her growing-up years and shaped both her personal style and career ambitions during an appearance on 'Track Star.'
On Friday, June 5, Lopez opened up about her admiration for the pop icon, explaining how Madonna's ability to constantly reinvent herself left a lasting impression on her as a young performer. She also reflected on the artists who inspired her career and the mindset that helped guide her through decades in the entertainment industry.
Jennifer Lopez says Madonna inspired her ambitions and drive to evolve
During the music trivia game, Lopez immediately recognized Madonna’s 1998 hit 'Ray of Light' and spoke candidly about her admiration for the singer. She said, “Madonna was my idol growing up, I wanted to be Madonna."
She continued, "Like, I wanted to be her. I would literally cut all my shirts up and all my clothes because I wanted to dress like her.”
Lopez explained that her admiration went beyond fashion and extended to Madonna's approach to her career.
She credited the singer's constant evolution as a source of inspiration and said it influenced the way she approached her own ambitions. “I always wanted to be, like, evolving and not staying the same and not getting stuck in one thing."
Lopez added, “I always wanted to be trying new things and growing.”
The conversation also turned to other influential artists, including Janet Jackson, Salt-N-Pepa, and Selena Quintanilla. While discussing Quintanilla, she reflected on the importance of portraying the late singer in the 1997 biographical film 'Selena,' a role that became a defining moment in her career.
Jennifer Lopez explains how Selena inspired her to pursue her goals
Lopez said, “Selena kind of started my career, at the time, everybody was like, ‘You can’t be a singer. You’re an actress.’”
She explained that Selena's life story and untimely death had a lasting effect on her perspective and encouraged her to pursue her goals without hesitation.
She further emphasized, “When Selena passed away at such a young age, it was a thing for me where I was like, ‘You only get one life.’ You have to do what you want to do while you’re here and not wait.”
According to Lopez, that realization became a driving force in her life and career, motivating her to take chances and embrace opportunities despite the doubts of others.
The actress and singer is currently promoting 'Office Romance,' the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy in which she stars opposite Brett Goldstein.
Reflecting on filming romantic scenes for 'Office Romance,' Lopez admitted that kissing scenes can still feel daunting despite decades in the entertainment industry.
“I've been doing this a long time," she said before reflecting on her experience kissing Goldstein on set.
She stated, “I want to say that I was fine, but it's always a thing. It's like, ‘Okay, I have to kiss this person that I don't know, and I'm just getting to know you.' You get a little nervous, that's all.”
