The album "is an opportunity for me to show my emotions, vulnerability and passion," she tells the magazine. "I don’t get to do that as much in English."

Lopez will perform "Que Hiciste (What Did You Do)," the first single from "Como Ama," when she appears April 11 on News Corp’s Fox network talent competition, American Idol.

J-Lo goes back to the Bronx - Mar 30 2007
Proving that she’s not got too big for her roots, Jennifer Lopez hit a record store in her old Bronx neighbourhood on Wednesday to promote her latest album.

Having proudly declared herself "just a girl from the Bronx", the 37-year-old singer attracted a crowd of around 500 people as she signed autographs and copies of her first Spanish-language album.

Accompanied by her husband Marc Anthony, J-Lo addressed the crowd in Spanish, saying: "I want to say thank you to everyone for coming to celebrate with me this very special day for me."

She then added in English: "It touches my heart to be able to bring this album back to my neighbourhood, back to my home."

Called Como Ama Una Mujer (How A Woman Loves) the album was released on Tuesday with a live performance from J-Lo in New York’s Times Square.

Despite arriving at the Spotlight Live venue three hours late, the star performed songs in front of around 700 fans, including a duet with her husband, who danced and sang along enthusiastically from the sidelines for the rest of her performance.

J.Lo excited about Idol performance - Mar 19 2007
Proving how influential American Idol has become on the modern music scene, Jennifer Lopez has revealed how much she is looking forward to performing on the hit talent show.

"I’m very excited," says the star, talking to entertainment programme, Extra. "I watched it last night. I have a couple of favourites."

J.Lo is expected to perform on Idol April 11th and not only will she sing and dance, but she will mentor the remaining contestants.

As for what song she’ll sing, she says: "One of my Spanish songs. I think they’re doing a Latin album theme night."

Although the show was initially considered tacky, more and more megastars are now lining up to use the huge audience to add exposure.

Rod Stewart saw sales of his easy listening album soar after his appearance and this year.

Jen, Gwen Stefani and Jon Bon Jovi are also planning to take to the stage, as well as lend their expertise.

J-Lo’s twin wishes - Feb 3 2007
She’s made no secret of her desire to have children, but don’t expect Jennifer Lopez to have more than a couple.

Answering some gentle probing by US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres on Friday, La Lopez said she "absolutely" wants children of her own, in addition to the three step-children she looks after with husband Marc Anthony.

Marc, 38, has two sons Cristian, five, and Ryan, three, with his ex-wife Dayanara Torres, and a 12-year-old daughter, Arianna, from a previous relationship.

Asked by Ellen: "But you want to have more kids. Lots of kids?", Lopez replied: "I don’t know about a lot."

"Like, five, four?" Ellen speculated, while Jennifer replied: "One or two. I’ll take two at once, that would be great."

After Ellen pointed out how much work twins would be, J-Lo, who we’re pretty sure could afford a bit of hired help with nappy-changing, seemed keener on the idea of only being pregnant once.

"Okay, but then you’re done, and you got two," she exclaimed.