10 Questions for Jennifer Lopez

Yes, this hip-hop diva is rumored to be pregnant. But the Bronx-born entertainer also has a new album, and El Cantante, in which she co-stars with hubby Marc Anthony, comes out on dvd Oct. 30. Jennifer Lopez will now take your questions.

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She has risen from small backup dancer to big pop star and one of Hollywood's favorite celebs. The singer and actor answers readers' questions in a conversation with TIME's Carolyn Sayre

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Jennifer Lopez

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You recently starred in the movie El Cantante, about salsa legend Hector Lavoe. How has he influenced your and your husband Marc Anthony's music? —Joshua Benjamin, Los Angeles
That whole era of music was such an important moment in musical history, and it influenced us a lot. They took some street, put it into music, mixed it all up and came up with this whole different sound. It influenced Marc, obviously, because he does salsa music. But the idea of taking things and mixing them together is what I do in my music. I take hip-hop, R&B, pop, dance, funk and soul and mix it all together to get my own sound. Those guys were pioneers.

Any other big music influences in your life? —Lauren Sam, Philadelphia
I love a good lyricist—always have. The thing that inspired me most was the different performers, like Tina Turner, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Madonna, even Janet Jackson. I always loved the idea of mixing music and dance.

What do you think of the music industry today? —Sze Yeap, South Australia
They are in a bit of a mess right now trying to figure out how to do everything. I don't know what the solution is. The boat has passed and nobody jumped on it when they should have. I do believe that there is going to be a change with record companies and the way things are sold. It is a very topical subject right now among people who make music.

Any thoughts on Radiohead's decision to release an album on its own? —Sal Martin, London
A lot of people are doing that. It will be interesting to see what becomes the norm. The bottom line is that musicians love to make music and always will. How that will be distributed still needs to be figured out.

Did making the movie Selena change your life? Would your career be different if you had passed on the movie? —Lydia Gomez, Los Angeles
It was a big moment in my life for many reasons. First of all, it was a great role for me, and it was my first big starring role. Gregory Nava, the director, has become a big part of my career. I don't know how much things would have been different. It is hard to say what makes your career. So many things happened around that time—I also started making my first album.

How does your marriage work under the glare of the Hollywood spotlight? —Andrew Furrer, Baltimore
We try to keep it as private as possible. We respect the relationship with the media and being able to get out there what we are doing. But we don't parade ourselves in front of the cameras. We are out there when we need to be, and when we don't, we keep that time kind of sacred and try not to court attention.

What do you and Marc do in your free time? —Ashlee Powell, Los Angeles
While I'm on tour, I like to sleep. [Laughs.] So lately the downtime has just basically been bed. But we also like watching stuff and being exposed to the classics. We are big movie buffs.

If you have children, would you want them to pursue music? —Shintya Kurniawan, Jakarta, Indonesia
[Laughs.] I don't know how I will act.

You are known for your curvy, sexy body. How do you feel about the pressure in Hollywood to be so thin? —Eleana Fuentes, Atlanta
Some people are naturally thin, and some are heavier. There is a lot of focus on it, and it can be a lot of pressure for people. But honestly, I think as long as someone is healthy, that is most important.

True or false: you once insured your booty for $1 billion. —Sarah Levine, New York City
It is kind of an urban legend. It was something that started in London. Obviously, it doesn't exist. [Laughs.]

TIME's interview with the singer actor continues on Time.com. Read these extra questions for Jennifer Lopez. To subscribe to the 10 Questions podcast on iTunes, go to time.com/10questions