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Jennifer Lopez Returns to the Bronx for Her First Ever Hometown Concert to Launch State Farm Neighborhood Sessions

Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty

Earlier this year, Jennifer Lopez notched her eighth top 10 debut album, as her A.K.A. moved 33,000 units during its first week of release. The former “In Living Color” dancer has alternated between acting and music, and she credits legendary Tejano singer Selena for giving her the courage to launch a musical career. While portraying Selena in the late singer’s 1997 biopic, Lopez reenacted concerts by holding live performances in front of crowds of 30,000, which she credits for helping her chase her musical dreams.

“It made me realize, ‘Don’t neglect parts of yourself and let people put you in a box because you’re an actress,’” Lopez told Billboard in a recent interview. “‘You can do this, and you can also do that. Life is short, and you don’t know what’s going to happen. Go for your dreams and don’t let anyone hold you back.’”

March 31 will mark the 20-year anniversary Selena died after being shot by the former president of her fan club. Selena Quintanilla Perez was 23 years old. You can read the full Billboard Q&A, including Lopez’s thoughts on Selena’s legacy at Billboard.com.

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