United Kingdom, Sept. 11 -- Jennifer Lopez spent "weeks" preparing to play Evita - before Madonna landed the part.

The 56-year-old singer was desperate to play Eva Peron, the Argentine politician and activist, in the 1996 biographical musical drama film, and Jennifer felt devastated when the role was awarded to Madonna instead.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session, Jennifer shared: "I went to audition for Evita for [director] Alan Parker.

"I had been practising for weeks and I sing my heart out and he goes, 'You're amazing. You know Madonna has the part, right?'

"I said, 'OK, bye-bye. Nice to meet you.'"

Jennifer is currently starring in the big screen adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, the new musical drama film.

The ...