WATCH NOW
Watch on the app
Selena Quintanilla: Remembering the Tejano superstar and controversy surrounding new docuseries
Selena Quintanilla Day: Honoring the legacy of what would have been the star’s 53rd birthday
Today, April 16th, fans of Tejano music gather to celebrate Selena Quintanilla Day. This year marks what would have been the 53rd birthday of the legendary singer, whose impact on music continues to resonate long after her tragic passing.
Born in Texas on April 16th, 1971, Selena Quintanilla was destined for greatness from a young age. Recognized for her one-of-a-kind voice and cadence, she began her musical journey at the age of 10 as the lead singer of Selena y Los Dinos, alongside her sister Suzette on drums and brother Abraham on bass. By 1984, Selena had recorded her first LP record, marking the start of a remarkable career in the traditionally male-dominated Tejano music.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Despite initial challenges in breaking into the industry, Selena quickly charmed the scene with her talent and energy. She went on to win the Female Vocalist of the Year award at the Tejano Music Awards in 1987, a feat she would continue to achieve for the next nine consecutive years. With hits like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Como La Flor,” Selena transcended cultural barriers, becoming an icon for Latina artists in the genre.
Tragically, Selena’s life was cut short on March 31st, 1995, when she was fatally shot by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The senseless act of violence shocked the world, leaving a void in the hearts of fans everywhere.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
After her death, Selena’s legacy only grew stronger. In honor of her cultural impact, then-Governor of Texas George W. Bush declared April 16th as Selena Quintanilla Day. Memorials, awards, and even a museum were dedicated to her life and career, standing as testaments to her legacy.
Today, on Selena Quintanilla Day, fans from around the world pay tribute to the beloved icon by listening to her music, watching her biopics, and celebrating her cultural contributions. Despite the passage of time, Selena’s spirit lives on.
Controversy Surrounds New Docuseries: “Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them”
While Selena’s legacy continues to shine brightly, controversy has stirred with the release of a new docuseries centered around her tragic murder. Titled “Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them,” the two-part series premiered on Oxygen and featured extensive interviews with Yolanda Saldívar, Selena’s convicted killer, who is currently in prison serving a life sentence.
In the docuseries, Saldívar offers her perspective on the events leading up to Selena’s death, challenging long-held beliefs about her motives. Contrary to popular belief, Saldívar denies allegations of embezzlement and instead claims that Selena was involved in an extramarital affair, implicating herself in a cover-up orchestrated by the singer.
View this post on Instagram
Despite her statements, Saldívar fails to provide substantial evidence to support her claims, leaving many skeptical of her motives and credibility. Selena’s family, in particular, has condemned the series for giving Saldívar a platform to spread false narratives about their beloved daughter and sister.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Selena’s father, denounced the docuseries, claiming that Saldívar’s lacks credibility and only serves to further traumatize the family and fans. The Quintanilla family declined to participate in the series, distancing themselves from its controversial narrative.
Critics have also raised concerns about the timing of the series, airing just a month before the 29th anniversary of Selena’s death. Many argue that the focus should remain on celebrating Selena’s life and legacy rather than giving attention to her convicted killer’s unsubstantiated claims.
Despite the controversy, fans will continue to honor Selena’s memory on a new Selena Quintanilla Day.
WATCH: Which Latinas Are Taking Over Entertainment? | Get It Girl
for the latest updates from LatiNation