Selena Quintanilla made history in the music industry with her songs, amazing talent, charisma, personality and humility.
That is why — 25 years after her death — her legacy is still more valid than ever. Today, countless singers are faithful admirers, and they’re not afraid to express their gratitude and respect for her.
From Becky G and Anitta to Victoria La Mala, Billboard asked several women in music to share what Selena means to them. Check out their exclusive statements below.
“Selena, there is only one. Everything she represented still stands today, if not even more. People loved her because she was like all of us. She is still here today because she is in all of us. Real talent and authenticity transcends time. I have so much love and respect for her!”
“I first heard of Selena when I first watched the movie as a teenager. I was so drawn to who she was, and years later, as I got to know her more as an artist, I also began to see so many similarities between her and I]. She worked with her family and was so close; I work with my brother and keep my family very close. She made her own performance outfits; I do this too all the time. She was for the people, as am I. She was a brilliant talent and has impacted music forever.”
“It’s music that has opened so many doors for young women like me and Mexican-Americans. I feel that the new generation needs to educated] themselves a little bit more on the culture] and listen to those things that did make a difference for us. I am a fan, and as a fan and a musician I just want to see] her legacy continue].”
Victoria La Mala
“Selena is everything to me. She inspired me to sing at a young age. I remember the first time I saw her, I was watching TV on a Sunday in Mexico City, where I grew up. ‘Siempre en Domingo’ was on, and the moment she came on stage I thought, ‘Wow she’s so beautiful and can sing — I love her style and personality.’ I used to sit in my room with my CD player and try to sing along to all her songs, rewinding certain parts trying to imitate her.
I started my music career fresh out of high school singing to her tracks at different parties, restaurants and clubs! She is also a fashion icon — her style inspired my style. She was a pioneer in making Latin bicultural] culture mainstream, singing in both Spanish and English, merging] cumbia and R&B, etc. From her music, the Selena MAC makeup] collection, merchandise, Fiesta de la Flor — she’s an icon and we still can’t get enough of her!”
