Jennifer Lopez graces the cover of Cosmopolitan for Latinas' Winter 2013 issue and opens up about her Puerto Rican roots, her family and the Latina artist that inspired her as a young girl.
"I love the family that I grew up in," Lopez told Cosmopolitan, according to the Huffington Post. "The strength and passion and the heart that we bring to things and then they way I was raised -- the intense love we demonstrate."
The 41-year-old superstar grew up in New York and recalls that one movie in particular made a huge impact on her as a child. "I was moved by West Side Story as a young girl and seeing Puerto Ricans star in it. Even though it wasn't the best depiction of us, they still have the passion and love I can relate to," she said.
"Even though it wasn't the best depiction of us, they still have the passion and love that I relate to -- not to mention the singing and dancing! Rita Moreno became a hero to me," said Lopez of the Latina actress who won an Oscar for her role as Anita in the film.
The actress also talks about her family and the importance of being confident and determined. "Early on, my family really made me love who I was and what I looked like. You have to stand up and say, 'There's nothing wrong with me or my shape or who I am, you're the one with the problem!"
"One day somebody told me I had to perform in front of 35,000 people on the set of Selena. I didn't know how to do it, I just said to myself 'Don't think about it. You can do this and you'll be great, And then I did. I've been following that rule ever since," Lopez told Cosmopolitan.
Back in July, the "On The Floor" singer launched NUVOtv network, which aims to empower the Latino community. "There's a big revolution going on, it's like a media and cultural revolution of Latinos here in the United States," said Lopez to press before NUVO's launch, the Associated Press reported.
"We're realizing our power. We're realizing that we matter here. You know, we're not just, you know, the guys working behind the scenes in the kitchens and as a plumber."