by As one of the most popular and accomplished entertainers in the world, Jennifer Lopez has performed for millions of fans around the globe. However, even superstars like JLo still experience nerves before taking the stage. Stage fright, or performance anxiety, is something that nearly all performers wrestle with at some point in their careers. For Lopez, preparation and passion for her craft have proven to be the most effective ways to overcome pre-show jitters.
Lopez’s journey to becoming a multi-talented entertainer wasn’t easy. She started out as a dancer, working her way up from music videos to film and television roles. Her big break came in 1997 when she landed the lead role in Selena, bringing the late Tejano singer’s story to life. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, cementing Lopez as a rising star. However, taking on such an iconic role also brought immense pressure that exacerbated her stage fright. Looking back, Lopez has said Selena was one of her most anxiety-inducing projects due to the responsibility of honoring the beloved singer’s legacy.
To prepare for the role, Lopez immersed herself in researching Selena’s life and studying footage of her performances. She worked tirelessly on perfecting Selena’s dance routines and vocal styles. All of this preparation built Lopez’s confidence in her ability to do the role justice. On set and during promotional appearances, she drew on her detailed knowledge of Selena to stay grounded despite feeling overwhelmed. This thorough preparation method has served Lopez well throughout her career for conquering nerves before high-pressure performances.
After establishing herself as an actress, Lopez made the transition to becoming a pop star with her 1999 debut album On the 6. Releasing music presented an entirely new set of performance anxieties, as she now had to win over audiences as a singer. Dancing and acting came more naturally to Lopez, so learning to command a stage through her voice alone was challenging. To build her confidence as a vocalist, she spent months in the studio honing her skills with a vocal coach. She practiced songs relentlessly until she knew every lyric and nuance of her delivery.
This diligent preparation paid off when it came time for Lopez to promote On the 6. She threw herself into high-energy, perfectly choreographed performances that wowed audiences and critics alike. Her American Music Awards debut of “If You Had My Love” is still considered one of the most impactful debut stages in history. By committing fully to vocal training and rehearsing routines until they were second nature, Lopez was able to overcome doubts and channel her energy into electrifying shows. Preparation has remained her go-to method for conquering stage fright at awards ceremonies, concerts, and other major performances throughout her music career.
While preparation is crucial, Lopez also credits her deep passion for entertaining as a way of keeping stage fright at bay. Even when nerves strike, her love of connecting with audiences gives her the courage to power through. In a 2017 interview, she reflected on a memorable On the 6 tour stop in Puerto Rico. She was feeling unwell but was determined not to disappoint the thousands of fans who had come to see her. Drawing on her enthusiasm for the performance, Lopez pushed past her anxiety and illness to deliver an incredible two-hour show.
Moments like that have reinforced for Lopez that sheer passion can override fears. No matter the size of the venue or stakes of the occasion, her dedication to captivating crowds sees her through anxious moments. She approaches every live appearance as an opportunity to spread joy through music and dance. With over two decades in the entertainment industry, Lopez’s love for her craft has only grown stronger. It’s this profound passion that serves as her ultimate defense against stage fright, enabling phenomenal performances time and time again.
In addition to preparation and passion, Lopez also relies on breathing techniques to calm pre-show nerves. Before walking on stage, she takes a few minutes backstage to do deep breathing exercises. In through the nose and out through the mouth, focusing on slow, controlled breaths helps relax both her mind and body. On high-pressure nights, she may do a guided meditation or visualization to get into a calm, centered headspace. Picture herself delivering a flawless show and feeling the energy of the cheering fans. These kinds of mental preparations paired with deep breathing replenish Lopez’s confidence.
Once she hits the stage, the adrenaline kicks in and Lopez is able to fully immerse herself in the performance. She channels any lingering nerves into captivating the audience with her charisma and talent. Dancing has always been a way for Lopez to express herself freely and blow off steam. During concerts, she pours her all into high-energy choreography, finding catharsis in movement. By the time she takes a bow, any pre-show jitters have melted away, leaving only the exhilaration of connecting with crowds through music.
Now in her fifties, Lopez continues to push her limits with even more complex and physically demanding shows. Her “It’s My Party” tour in 2019 featured intricate choreography, multiple costume changes, and elaborate production elements. The amount of stamina and focus such productions require would overwhelm many performers. But through two decades of experience, Lopez has honed the ability to manage anxiety and channel it constructively. She remains dedicated to growth as an artist and thrilling audiences, keeping stage fright at bay through passion, preparation and positive mindsets.
Lopez sets the bar incredibly high for live performances, yet she never loses sight of why she became an entertainer in the first place – to spread joy. That profound love of connecting with fans through music and dance is what gives her the strength to overcome doubts time and again. Whether in an intimate club or a sold-out stadium, Lopez’s dedication to preparation and passion ensures she gives phenomenal shows despite the nerves. Her ability to conquer stage fright while continuously evolving her craft is truly inspirational for performers and audiences alike. Two decades into her career, Jennifer Lopez proves that with hard work and a love for live entertainment, anxiety need not hold artists back from achieving greatness.
