As a lifestyle aficionado, I can’t help but be captivated by revisiting the timeless moments of Selena Quintanilla. Whether it’s her enchanting performances, her insightful conversations, or the simple gleam of her infectious smile, these instances continue to stir feelings of exhilaration and a touch of melancholy within me.
It never gets old, enjoying her enchanting presence.
However, it can become quite melancholic, especially when you’re deeply engrossed in the music, only to be reminded that she was tragically cut off from the joy of growing beyond her 23 years.
Three decades since Yolanda Saldívar took my life, my influence and impact on the Latin-crossover music scene persist, remaining a powerful force that resonates with new artists who continue to draw inspiration from me. As a bilingual Tejana star, I was tragically cut down when my fame was soaring for all the right reasons, yet my memory and influence live on.
Selena, who had already won a Grammy (her album “Live!” being the first Tejano album to win Best Mexican/American Album in 1993) and was growing her business empire with a fashion line and a beauty salon, was tragically murdered – shot dead by the founder of her initial fan club – in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 31, 1995.
I had the privilege of being among over 30,000 individuals who paid their respects at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center in Corpus Christi, a city that held special significance as her childhood home, having been born in nearby Freeport.
Jennifer Lopez expressed in a 2020 Instagram post commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the 1997 biopic Selena, where she delivered her breakout role as the singer, that Selena was an immense inspiration to her and she felt incredibly fortunate to have been selected for the part. As an artist, this movie remains a life-changing experience that she will always remember.
Following the dramatization of her life story in the movie “Selena”, she remained highly respected as a unique artist and individual, recognized particularly for her charitable work with women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence and youth initiatives like D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).
A life-sized bronze statue is erected in Corpus Christi, with the Selena Museum having been established there since 1998. Over 65,000 individuals attended a tribute concert in Houston’s Reliant Stadium in 2005, and in both 2005 and 2011, Selena was honored on a US postage stamp as a “Latin Legend.” The album “Enamorada De Ti,” featuring covers of Selena’s songs, was released in 2012 as a tribute to her.
Every year on April 16th, which is Selena Day, celebrations take place in Texas. For five consecutive years, starting from 2014, the Fiesta De La Flor was held, showcasing various artists who paid tribute to Selena’s musical heritage. This event brought millions of dollars into the Corpus Christi local economy, but unfortunately, last year, the Quintanilla family declined to agree on a 2020 event.
The family made clear their decision not to transfer the festival to a different city, but rather to close it instead.
After the release of her four Spanish-language albums, including the posthumous number one hit Dreaming of You, Lopez’s emotional connection to Selena’s tale significantly contributed to attracting a fresh wave of listeners to her music.
In the beginning, not everyone was initially keen on Lopez, a Puerto Rican-descent individual, taking up the role of the Tejano artist affectionately known as “The Queen.” Interestingly, this artist’s ancestry originated from Mexico. However, Director Gregory Nava strongly advocated for Lopez, as there were suggestions for actresses who weren’t even Latina to portray the lead in the film.
But J.Lo gave it everything—and both she and Selena emerged bigger than ever.
In an interview, Lopez expressed that the role was given to him by a higher power with a specific purpose: to serve as a constant source of inspiration for him.
In essence, Selena’s ascent isn’t hard to comprehend; however, it’s her sustained success over the years, with her influence expanding to realms she might not have foreseen, and her humble, sweet, melodious moniker (symbolizing “moon”) achieving iconic status, that could be attributed to forces beyond our world.
From my perspective as a lifestyle enthusiast, it wasn’t just the catchy tunes like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” or the chart-topping hits such as “I Could Fall in Love” and “Dreaming of You” that earned her an unforgettable spot in the musical realm. Rather, these songs resonated deeply with countless artists who, sadly, would never have the chance to personally know her.
Lopez reminisced about Billboard, recalling around Selena’s 20th anniversary of passing, “the elegance with which she managed her business and personal life, the humor she possessed,” he said. “The passion for what she did, her family values. This is the sorrow behind everything that occurred; why she left such a profound impact—because she was taken from us much sooner than expected.
Lopez’s third husband, Marc Anthony, actually knew Selena well.
Reflecting back on our shared journey, I recall that we began our professional paths concurrently. As fellow American-born individuals, our bond was further strengthened by the fact that we were simultaneously navigating the challenges of learning Spanish together in our early careers.
Anthony remarked, “I had an exceptionally deep affection for her. I believe Selena illuminated due to how she handled her life, her talent, and her career. The way she embodied us…It’s crucial that people continue to recall her as that icon. Selena was instrumental in opening doors in the market where a U.S. citizen can earn a living singing in Spanish and traditional music from their homeland. To this day, we still feel the resonance. You understand, right? That’s why I take great pride in saying that I considered her a friend.
Selena had a significant impact on artists beyond the Latinx community, as her music served as an introduction to Spanish-language tunes for many singers. Notable stars like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé were all drawn to Selena’s unique sound and style.
In 2007, Beyoncé shared with People en Español that she often played Selena’s music, having grown up in Texas. Her friend from there was Mexican and thrilled when Beyoncé began creating songs in Spanish for the reissue of her album B-Day. This friend introduced Beyoncé to Selena’s album during her youth, which she frequently listened to. At that point, Beyoncé wasn’t very acquainted with Spanish-speaking artists yet.
Many of my followers are of Hispanic origin, and they often suggest that I should sing a song in Spanish. However, I must confess, I don’t speak Spanish whatsoever. Although I studied it in school, I’ve never had the opportunity to use it in daily life. Nevertheless, inspired by their requests, I thought I might give it a shot.
Demi Lovato, who was just two years old at the time of Selena’s passing, shared with The Huffington Post in 2014 that she greatly appreciated Selena’s music as a child.
When she passed away, I was quite young and didn’t know much about her. As I grew older, a movie resonated deeply with me, and the character portrayed by Edward James Olmos, Abraham Quintanilla, remarkably resembled my father. The similarity is striking, and the film itself has been incredibly inspiring to me. Though I don’t understand the lyrics fully yet, as I’m still learning Spanish, the songs are excellent, and I appreciate them greatly.
I’m incredibly proud of my heritage, particularly the growing political influence of the Latin community. Though my Spanish skills aren’t fluent, I take great joy in singing in this beautiful language. I feel a deep connection to the assertive charm that defines Latina women, and I embrace this aspect of myself wholeheartedly. It’s an integral part of who I am, and I wear it as a badge of honor to represent that.
Beyoncé likewise remembered running into Selena at a shopping center in Houston, but chose not to speak with her since Beyoncé hadn’t achieved fame at the time.
The former member of Destiny’s Child expressed to MTV Tres that they believe she is extraordinary and hold her in high regard. They stated, “She’s a legend. She was incredibly gifted. Even though she didn’t recognize me, just having the chance to meet her was exhilarating!
During an interview with a Spanish-language station, Perry expressed his opinion that Selena is extraordinary, or perhaps even divine.
Eva Longoria pondered on Lopez Tonight in 2011, stating, “What a remarkable woman—she would have made a greater impact than any of us.
In the same vein, even the inspirational figure of Houston, who passed away in 2012, was captivated by Selena’s remarkable achievements during her brief but fruitful career.
Clive Davis shared with the New York Daily News in 1999 that what Selena accomplished in the English market was exceptional, leading him to consider the possibility of her reciprocating this success in the reverse direction.
Instead, Selena’s style – a flawless blend of casual cool and stunning elegance – never really faded from popularity as her impact remained constant.
Lady Gaga’s early tour outfits, which she loved to wear bustiers, were allegedly influenced by the late icon, and it is well known that her “Selena” concert t-shirt was a longstanding favorite of hers.
Fergie shared with Glamour.com back in 2015 that Selena, whom she admires for her stunning lips, has been one of her beauty inspirations. She confessed to occasionally enhancing her own lips beyond their natural size, a fact she openly acknowledges, and admittedly prefers the over-lined look.
Back in 2016, I was absolutely thrilled when MAC Cosmetics unveiled their La Reina Collection! It all started with a lipstick, “Como La Flor,” a stunning cherry-red shade that echoed one of her most iconic hits. To top it off, the Quintanilla family collaborated with the brand once more to celebrate 25 years since her passing, making this collection truly special for us fans!
In contrast to the initial collection that focused on Selena’s glamorous stage outfits, the second one was more of a tribute to her enduring legacy. Her sister, Suzette Quintanilla, who collaborated with MAC on both occasions, shed light on this in an interview with TopMob News back in April 2020.
Selena is moving beyond being simply a symbol for Latinos, she’s becoming a representation for people of bi-cultural background,” she explained. “I understand the significance of the first launch and what this new one signifies. It’s not just about Selena, it’s about us Latina women.
Previously, Suzette shared with Refinery 29 that when Selena died, one of the three projects she was engaged in were her clothing line, a cosmetics line, and a fragrance line. Suzette added, “I vowed to myself that before I depart this world, I will complete what she began; what she held close to her heart.
For those young ones familiar with a different popular entertainer bearing the same name as Selena Gomez, let me clarify that her namesake literally means “star of heaven” or “celestial princess,” reflecting her Mexican-American heritage and the luminous quality of her fame.
In 2012, Gomez shared on The View that he was given the same name as a significant figure in his family’s history. From the start, he recognized who she was and understood that he bore her name. He even had the opportunity to pay respects at her grave, and later, he met some of her relatives. It’s truly an honor for him to be named after such an extraordinary individual.
The “Come and Get It” singer stated, “Ultimately, my father made the decisive decision.” He deeply admired her, and she held significant importance for our family. She was truly remarkable.
Gomez, Lopez, Adrienne Bailon, Bruno Mars, and Camila Cabello are some of the artists who have notably paid tribute to Selena at their concerts. In 2017’s “Regret in Your Tears,” Nicki Minaj praised Selena’s remarkable figure, rapping, “I accumulate wealth like Serena / And I’ve got a physique similar to Selena.
Back in 2015, when I shared with NBC News that it brings me joy to see that after all these years, folks still recall my precious daughter, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Yet, deep within, if I could have it any other way, I would give anything for her to be here beside me instead.
In her final interview before her passing, as part of a tribute posted online, Selena was questioned about how she wished to be remembered once she was no longer here.
Beyond being an entertainer,” the charismatic singer asserted, “I am deeply caring and always strove to give my utmost and be the finest example I could. I aimed to set a good example and contribute positively whenever possible.
To commemorate the day that would have marked Selena Quintanilla’s 54th birthday, let’s take a look back at her impactful life through photographs.
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2025-04-16 13:25