Thirty years have passed since the tragic loss of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a moment that forever altered the landscape of Latin music. And yet, her legacy as the “Queen of Tejano” remains as vibrant as ever. While one could measure her influence in record sales, posthumous albums, and countless documentaries, the true impact of Selena is something far more profound. Her voice, her style, and her ambition continue to echo in today’s Latin music scene, shaping a new generation of artists who see her as both an inspiration and a guiding light.
Selena's Influence on a New Generation of Latin Artists
What I like to call "The Selena Generation" consists of artists who came of age after her passing, many of whom never had the chance to witness her magic in real-time. Yet, despite this, her influence is undeniable. This new wave of musicians includes major stars like Karol G and Becky G, as well as emerging talents such as Estevie, Gale, Angelina Victoria, and Vanita Leo.
For these artists, Selena has always been a part of their world. “I’ve been listening to and watching videos of Selena performing before I could even form memories,” says Becky G. Growing up in Inglewood, California, the Mexican American singer recalls how Selena’s music was a staple in her household. Over the years, Becky G has honored her idol through multiple performances of Selena medleys and even included a Selena-inspired track, “Otro Capítulo,” on her latest album, "Encuentros."
The Blueprint of Success
For Becky G, Selena wasn’t just an icon—she was a blueprint. The way Selena built her career, from performing at small venues in Texas to filling stadiums, was revolutionary, particularly for a woman in the male-dominated Tejano music industry.
“She broke barriers,” Becky G says. “She took our music to places we never imagined. She showed younger generations, including myself, that we could stand on those stages, too.”
Selena’s influence extends beyond just inspiration; she changed the course of Latin music. Before her, Latin artists like Gloria Estefan and Lisa Lisa found success in the U.S., but Selena’s rise as a Mexican American from Texas was groundbreaking. Her ability to seamlessly merge cultures—singing in Spanish while channeling the fashion and performance styles of American pop stars like Madonna and Janet Jackson—made her a bridge between two worlds.
A Lasting Legacy in Music and Culture
“Today, Latin artists are topping global charts, collaborating with international superstars, and selling out massive venues,” says Gen Z cumbia star Estevie. “I think we owe a lot of that to Selena.” Since bursting onto the scene in 2021, Estevie has often been compared to Selena, a testament to the lasting power of her legacy.
Despite her untimely passing in 1995, Selena was already on the brink of crossing over into mainstream pop. Her final album, "Dreaming of You," remains the best-selling Latin album in U.S. history and was the first predominantly Spanish-language album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
“She proved that Latin music could break into the mainstream without losing its essence,” says Estevie. “She showed that women could lead and thrive in an industry that wasn’t built for them.”
A Personal Connection to Selena's Music
For Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Gale, Selena’s impact was immediate. She remembers watching the 1997 biopic "Selena" as a child and becoming completely captivated.
“She was my first love in music,” Gale recalls. “Her voice, her energy, her power. She made me believe that Latin women belong on big stages. She made me feel like I could do this, too.”
Chicago-born Angelina Victoria, a rising star in música mexicana, shares a similar experience. She first encountered Selena through the biopic and later watched footage of her historic 1995 Houston Rodeo performance.
“That performance gave me chills,” Victoria says. “Her confidence, her smile, her vocals—everything about her stage presence was electrifying. She made it look effortless, but you could see how much heart she put into every move, every note.”
Carrying Selena's Legacy Forward
At just 22 years old, Victoria is working to carve out her own path in the industry, but she proudly acknowledges Selena as her greatest influence. “Before her, there was a belief that Latin artists had to stay in their lane,” she explains. “She changed that. She showed artists like me that we can embrace our heritage while still pushing musical boundaries. She made it clear that being part of two cultures is a strength, not a limitation.”
Her admiration for Selena was on full display earlier this month at South by Southwest in Austin, where she delivered a stirring medley of Selena’s greatest hits, including “Como la Flor,” “Amor Prohibido,” and “Baila Esta Cumbia.”
She wasn’t alone in this tribute. That same day, San Antonio-based cumbia singer Vanita Leo wowed the crowd with her passionate rendition of “Si Una Vez,” proving that Selena’s music remains deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Texas and beyond.
An Enduring Cultural Phenomenon
Performing a Selena cover in Texas might seem like a bold move for an up-and-coming artist, but for Leo, it’s more than just a tribute—it’s a rite of passage.
“The energy is electric,” she says. “The moment you start singing, you feel just how much she still means to people. Her music is a source of joy, pride, and representation for our community.”
Even three decades after her passing, Selena Quintanilla’s presence is undeniable. Her influence can be felt not just in music, but in fashion, culture, and the dreams of countless Latin artists striving to follow in her footsteps. She wasn’t just a star; she was a movement—one that continues to shine just as brightly today as it did in her lifetime.
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