Jaci Velasquez: Chasing Papi star with a blazing trail of album hits - Main Cover - Cover Story

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, August-Sept, 2003 by Miriam Martinez

"Doors have been opened for me to bring the message of Christ to the Latino audience," Velasquez said, happy that secular people enjoyed many of the same songs that her Christian fans drove to the top of sales and airplay charts.

Yet, her beliefs have not deterred non-religious people from enjoying her music, which may be due to Velasquez's tolerance and respect for other beliefs that sets her apart from many of America's overtly Christian conservatives. "I know what I believe in, but I can't say that other people's beliefs are wrong just because they are different from mine," she said.

Faith and music have helped her through crises and have been influenced by it.

And her personal problems, such as her parents' divorce, are intensified by being under media glare.

She faced that crisis and shared with her audience what was happening during one of her concerts.

"Musical producer Rudy Perez and his wife were there, and they heard me. Rudy then came up to me to tell me that he thought my story would make a beautiful song," she said.

And that's how she wrote, "Como se cura una herida" (How to heal a wound).

Personal problems, the search for a meaning in life, and stardom all made Velasquez rethink whether she wanted to continue her career in entertainment.

"I came out of this with more faith than ever," she says. "I have a completely different vision of what life is, of what spirituality is, of what love is."

Many of her Christian fans questioned her faith when she sought a role in the movie Chasing Papi, as Patricia, one of three beautiful Latinas all after one man. It upset them for more than her changing music style ever had.

Velasquez had to reassure them in a heartfelt letter that she had not sold out. "No I haven't left my personal faith in God, and I don't ever intend to," she said.

Velasquez's brother, also a devout Christian, leaped to her defence on the Internet. "Did you know that when Jaci got the script for the movie it was rated R. Because of the changes they made for Jaci the movie turned into a PG movie. I don't know any unknown actor who would have the opportunity to change so much of a script. When you see this movie you'll realize that Jaci does not drink, does not cuss, and is so covered up."

She said the sexual aspect to the movie challenged her convictions and beliefs. During the entire filming of the movie, her mom, brother, of manager were always there with her. And the production company allowed me to change and edit several scenes that she was uncomfortable doing because of her beliefs.

"The process of deciding to enter Hollywood was a very thoughtful, prayerful one. I constantly consulted my family and pastor to make sure I was answering my calling," she said.

Controversy aside, Velasquez is casual about the movie giving another boost to her meteoric career.

"I didn't know that I wanted to become an actress. I just knew that I loved cinema, I never thought anything would happen," she said, crediting the audition opportunity to her agent.

"It was my first ever audition and my first movie. And everything kinda blew up over there. I learned from the movie how it's not easy to put a movie together and how to enjoy a really long day."