Jennifer Lopez's Risky American Idol Decision

Jennifer Lopez recently shared that her team almost missed the chance for her to join the American Idol judging panel. The 55-year-old singer and actress reflected on the difficult decision she faced before beginning her role on the singing competition, where she served as a judge from 2011 to 2016.

In a conversation with comedian Nikki Glaser for Interview magazine, Lopez explained her thought process during that time. She mentioned that while she was offered the opportunity, many of her advisors warned her against it, fearing it would diminish her career by labeling her as merely a reality star. "American Idol" was hugely popular then, and she considered what she could bring to the show despite the stigma often associated with reality TV at the time.

Lopez acknowledged that taking on such a role was seen as a step down for someone of her caliber. One of her team members cautioned her that participating could jeopardize future movie roles, but she ultimately chose to follow her instincts. "I didn’t think that’s what would happen. I felt I had something valuable to share," she said, emphasizing her love for music and mentoring.

She also recalled how, despite others' doubts, she trusted her gut. This mentality guided her when she decided to perform in Las Vegas, a place some suggested was where entertainers go to fade away, which instead marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Lopez's time on American Idol coincided with a significant revival in her music career. In February 2011, she released "On the Floor," which became one of her biggest hits. She used the platform of the show to debut the song's music video and perform it live, marking her return to the top of the charts, achieving her first top-five hit as a lead artist in the U.S. since 2002.

Not only did "American Idol" elevate her music career, but it also did not hinder her acting success. Years later, she received critical acclaim for her role in the 2019 film Hustlers, which grossed $105 million domestically and earned her nominations at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

After navigating a high-profile divorce from Ben Affleck earlier this year, Lopez is set to appear in the upcoming sports drama Unstoppable, which has already garnered critical praise following its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in September.