Before the end of 2020, Netflix released an original series based on the life of Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla, best known as Selena. Selena was an iconic pop-star to not only the Hispanic and Latinx community but also to many people around the world. 

Selena was born in Lake Jackson, Texas on April 16, 1971. She began her singing career young. Her brother and sister performed alongside her at their family’s restaurant. A family friend, Ricky Vela, soon joined as a keyboard player. The band went on to play at weddings, businesses, and fairs. They named themselves “Selena Y Los Dinos.” They were featured in Mexican Television programs and soon played in clubs where they met other talented musicians Pete Astudillo and Chris Perez. The two joined the band, and suddenly Selena Y Los Dinos was complete. 

Selena y Los Dinos would win a total of 36 Tejano music awards. Jose Bejar, a music executive,  met with Selena after an award show. He wanted to sign the band with record label Capitol Latin. The band was eager to do so, but Bejar said if they did sign, the band’s name would just be Selena.  After some thought, the band was on board. In 1989, Selena’s first album with the label was released. The eponymous debut album included hit songs “Besitos” and “Sukiyaki.” Producing an English album was one of Selena’s biggest goals, so when the English song “My Love” was released on her Selena album, it was a big moment for the late pop-star.

Selena’s fan base grew immensely at a fast pace. Due to the shocking growth, Selena could not interact with fans as much as she liked. In 1991, the band hired Yolanda Saldivar as Selena’s fan club manager. Yolanda and Selena enjoyed each other’s company, and Selena viewed Yolanda as a trustworthy friend. The band was also doing very well. In 1994, Selena released her most popular album Amor Prohibido. This album consisted of hit songs “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “El chico del apartamento 512,” and “Si Una Vez”. 

While Selena was an amazing performer, she was also known for much more. Selena was said to have a bright and bubbly personality that came out in interviews and public engagements. She always was smiling and appeared carefree. Selena was also known for her clothing. Since she was a child, Selena loved to sketch outfits and sew her own clothes. Her outfits were always iconic; the most known outfit was her burgundy jumpsuit with an opening in the stomach. Selena was also seen as a role model for Mexican Americans. Selena revealed the struggle of being too Mexican for Americans, but yet too American for Mexicans. Due to this, the ever-growing Mexican-American community adored Selena.  

Selena was also known for rebelling against her father when it came to her relationship with band member Chris Perez. Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, was a very strict man. He did not allow anyone within the band to have romantic relationships. When discovering Chris and Selena were engaged, he was furious. However, Selena would stop at nothing to be with Chris, and they later married. 

In 1995, Quintanilla discovered that Yolanda Saldivar had been stealing money from Selena and the band. Due to this, Quintanilla had no other choice than to fire her. Saldivar was infuriated. She had grown an obsession with Selena and did not want to lose sight of her. On March 31, 1995, Saldivar invited Selena to her motel to talk things over. At that meeting, she shot Selena in her motel room, and Selena died soon after. This was a shock to the family and the fan base; Saldivar was viewed as a trustworthy employee and family friend. Yolanda Saldivar was later arrested for first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Selena was buried on April 3rd. 

Selena’s bubbly personality and carefree spirit were addictive. Her clothing always caught everyone’s attention, but most importantly her music was full of passion and always left you in awe. Selena was an impactful Mexican-American pop-star whose honor still lives on to this day. 

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