<P> In February 1997, Lopez starred alongside Jack Nicholson and Stephen Dorff in the neo-noir thriller Blood and Wine . Lopez starred as the title role of the Selena biopic of the same name in March . Despite having previously worked with the film's director on My Family, Lopez was subjected to an intense auditioning process before she was cast in the film . Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times stated that even in the "forgettable films" Money Train, and Jack, Lopez's "presence and ability made her seem just one role away from stardom" and with Selena she's "seized the opportunity and turned in an incandescent presentation that is especially strong during the film's numerous musical numbers". He concluded by calling the film not just a celebration of Selena's life, but also of the actress who portrayed her . The announcement was described as the "role of a lifetime ." from news outlets and Lopez's salary for the film was reported at $1 million, which made Lopez the highest - paid Hispanic actress in history . After filming Selena, Lopez was "really feeling (her) Latin roots" and cut a demo in Spanish . Lopez's manager then sent the song, titled "Vivir Sin Ti" (Living without You), to Sony Music Entertainment's Work Group, who showed an interest in signing Lopez . Tommy Mottola, the head of the label suggested to her that she sing in English instead . </P> <P> In April, Lopez starred in the horror film Anaconda alongside Ice Cube and Jon Voight . Lopez starred alongside Sean Penn and Billy Bob Thornton in the crime film U Turn in October . The film, which is based on the novel Stray Dogs by John Ridley, received somewhat positive reviews from critics . In June, Lopez starred opposite George Clooney in Out of Sight, Steven Soderbergh's adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name (1996). Cast as a deputy federal marshal who falls for a charming criminal, Lopez won rave reviews for her performance . Lopez provided the voice of Azteca in the computer - animated film Antz in October . </P> <P> Lopez's debut single, "If You Had My Love", was released in May 1999, as she began to ready her first album . Lopez became the first artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 with a debut single since Britney Spears did so with her single "...Baby One More Time" four months prior . During production of her debut album, On the 6, Lopez was aware that she received her recording contract on the basis of her looks and an already established name in the entertainment industry, and she wanted to prove she had musical talent . Prior to the debut of her music, critics wondered why she would take the risk of launching a music career . It was noted that: "If the album was a flop, not only would it embarrass Lopez, but it might even damage her career ." "Waiting for Tonight", the third single from On the 6, is widely considered to be Lopez's best song . Lopez's musical success came as a surprise to critics; its launch made the "popular actor even more popular". Both the music industry and the public became intrigued by "this woman who seemed to have so many different talents". By the end of 1999, Lopez successfully converted herself from a film star to a pop star . She joined a select few in achieving this feat, becoming the first since Vanessa Williams (1992) and Martika (1989). </P> <P> On February 23, 2000, Lopez, accompanied by then boyfriend Sean Combs, wore a plunging exotic green Versace silk chiffon dress on the red carpet of the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards . The dress "had a low - cut neck that extended several inches below her navel, where it was loosely fastened with a sparkly brooch and then opened out again," exposing her midriff and then as cut along the front of the legs like a bath robe . The dress generated controversy and media attention, with images of Lopez in the dress being downloaded from the Grammy website over half a million times 24 hours after the event . Lopez was surprised by the enormous media coverage, declaring that she had no idea "it was going to become such a big deal". Lopez returned to the big - screen in August, starring in the psychological thriller The Cell opposite Vincent D'Onofrio . </P>

When did jennifer lopez released her first single