Jennifer Lopez reveals she was warned joining 'American Idol' as a judge would be 'risky' for her career
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jennifer Lopez defied industry advice when she took on the role of a judge on 'American Idol', a decision that could have ended her film career, according to warnings she received at the time.
Lopez, who appeared on the reality competition show in 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016, alongside Steven Tyler and producer Randy Jackson, however, chose to follow her instincts despite being told it was 'risky'.
Jennifer Lopez on embracing risks and shifting priorities
In a conversation with Nikki Glaser for Interview magazine, Lopez reflected on the pivotal decision: “I’ll do things that could be risky because I believe that they’re going to turn out okay.”
Lopez, who recently divorced actor Ben Affleck, explained that after years of success in film and music, she was in a different place in her life.
“I’d done all these big movies and made these albums and now they’re asking me to do reality TV. I’ve had kids and I haven’t worked for a couple of years.”
At the time, 'American Idol' was a massive hit, but her advisors were not enthusiastic about her involvement.
Lopez recalled, “When all of my advisors were like, ‘Don’t do this, you’re going to be reduced to just a reality star.’”
The message was clear - taking the gig could tarnish her Hollywood career. “It was looked down upon. ‘Don’t do that or nobody will ever hire you for a movie ever again.’”
Jennifer Lopez follows her instincts, says 'nobody can talk me out of it'
Despite the warnings, Lopez felt strongly about the opportunity and trusted her gut. “I was just like, ‘No. I don’t think that’s what’s going to happen. I think I have something to contribute,’” she said.
Her passion for music and mentoring aspiring artists played a big part in her decision. “I love music and I love mentoring people, and I wanted to share the things that I knew about the business. So it became more about, ‘What do I think I can do with this?’”
Lopez emphasized that her choices are often driven by instinct, even when they seem questionable to others.
“When I’m choosing things, even if they seem like not the best idea to everybody else, if I feel it in my gut that it’s the right thing to do, nobody can talk me out of it.”
The 'Hustlers' actress, who shares 16-year-old twins Max and Emme with ex-husband Marc Anthony, also revealed that she’s turned down lucrative opportunities when they didn’t feel right to her, as per Page Six.
“There’s been movies like that. Sometimes they’ll offer you tons of money to do a commercial or a private show, and you’re just like, ‘No,’” she shared.
While her team may push for her to accept these offers, Lopez has learned to stand firm. “They’re like, ‘Please do it! We all want the commission!’ And I’m like, ‘I can’t do that.’”
However, it seems like Lopez’s decision to join 'American Idol' ultimately paid off.
