The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States named Jennifer Lopez as âThe Most Influential Latina of All Timeâ in the music industry. On its official website, the Academy reported that this recognition is granted in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and highlighted how JLo’s âTriple-Threat Superstardomâ brought Latin culture to center stage.
Jennifer LĂłpez was born to Puerto Rican parents David LĂłpez and Guadalupe RodrĂguez. Her parents had emigrated to the United States years before she was born. For the whole of her career, the singer has been proud of her Latin heritage and has always stayed true to her roots, delivering hit songs in both English and Spanish.
Despite the Academyâs decision, many people have argued that they donât recognize Lopez as Latina, because she was born in the Bronx, New York and considers English as her native language. The announcement aroused much controversy on social media, and there were even people who suggested that the Colombian star, Shakira, deserved the title, having been born in Latin America. On the other hand, there were a lot of counter arguments in favor of JLo, stating that her birthplace doesnât define her ancestry.
Whether the public believes it or not, Jennifer Lopez has immensely contributed in introducing the Latin culture to the world and the Academy says so too, âFrom her roots as âJenny From the blockâ to one of the highest-paid and influential Latinas in Hollywood history, Jennifer Lopezâs stratospheric career has broken borders, elevated Latin music and culture, and cemented her as one of the largest-looming entertainment icons of all time.
