Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Selena

Discover the career path of Selena, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as Selena, was an influential American singer-songwriter and the "Queen of Tejano Music." Her contributions to music and fashion made her a celebrated Mexican-American entertainer. Billboard ranked her as the third-greatest Latino artist of all time in 2020. Known as the "Tejano Madonna" for her fashion choices, Selena is credited with popularizing Tejano music and bringing it to the mainstream.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1939: Selena audition became the second largest audition

The audition for the title role in Selena biopic had over 21,000 people auditioning, becoming the second largest audition since the search for Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind in 1939.

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1987: Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year

In 1987, Selena won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. She would win the award nine consecutive times.

October 17, 1989: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album

On October 17, 1989, Selena released her self-titled debut album. Selena peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart.

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1989: Performance at the Tejano Music Awards

In 1989, Selena performed at the Tejano Music Awards. José Behar of EMI Latin Records watched her perform and wanted to sign her to Capitol Records.

1989: Signing with EMI Latin and Debut Album Release

In 1989, Selena signed with EMI Latin. In the same year she released her self-titled debut album, with her brother as her principal music producer and songwriter.

September 1990: Release of Ven Conmigo

In September 1990, Selena released her second studio album, Ven Conmigo. "Baila Esta Cumbia" was one of the album's most successful singles.

1991: Yolanda Saldívar Becomes Fan Club President and Release of "Buenos Amigos"

In 1991, Yolanda Saldívar became the acting president of Selena's fan club. Also in 1991, Selena released "Buenos Amigos" with Álvaro Torres on his album Nada Se Compara Contigo.

May 1992: Release of Entre a Mi Mundo Album

In May 1992, Selena released her third studio album, Entre a Mi Mundo. It was critically acclaimed as her "breakthrough album" and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart.

1992: Selena discusses clothing choices and being named "Mexican Madonna"

In 1992, Selena addressed her choice of concert attire, which included decorative bustiers, spandex, and unbuttoned jackets inspired by artists like Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, and Madonna. Despite disapproval from her father, she explained that her clothing choices were a fashion trend, and her fans had nicknamed her the "Mexican Madonna".

1992: Billboard Music Awards Nominations

In 1992, Selena and Álvaro Torres received two nominations at the Billboard Music Awards for the music video of their song "Buenos Amigos".

1992: Release of Entre a Mi Mundo

In 1992, Selena released "Entre a Mi Mundo", which reached number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for eight consecutive months. Music critics called the album the "breakthrough" recording of her musical career.

1992: Selena's Clothing Affects Jehovah's Witness Status and Family

In 1992, Selena's choice of exotic clothing led to her becoming an inactive member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. During a photoshoot for Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), Selena's revealing outfits greatly affected her father, Quintanilla Jr., who would often leave the sessions. Selena was also credited with changing public perceptions of feminine beauty in the Tejano market.

February 7, 1993: Recording of Live! Album

On February 7, 1993, Selena recorded her album Live! during a free concert at the Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi.

May 1993: Performance at Festival Acapulco

In May 1993, Selena performed at Festival Acapulco in Mexico, receiving critical acclaim for her performance.

September 17, 1993: Concert in Nuevo León

On September 17, 1993, Selena performed in Nuevo León for 70,000 people, establishing her as the biggest Tejano act in Mexico.

1993: "Como la Flor" Nomination at Tejano Music Awards

In 1993, "Como la Flor" was nominated for Song of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards. The single peaked at number six on the US Billboard Top Latin Songs chart.

1993: Grammy Award for Live!

In 1993, the album Live! by Selena won Best Mexican/American Album at the 1994 Grammy Awards, which was the first recording by a female Tejano artist to win the award.

March 1994: Amor Prohibido Album Release

In March 1994, Selena released her fourth studio album, Amor Prohibido, which debuted at number three on the US Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums charts.

May 1994: Live! named Album of the Year by Billboard Latin Music Awards

In May 1994, Selena's album Live! was recognized as Album of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, marking a significant achievement in her musical career.

August 1994: Selena hosts charity baseball game and donates to civic organizations

In August 1994, Selena hosted a charity baseball game to raise money for unspecified charities. She also donated her time to civic organizations such as D.A.R.E. and planned a fundraising concert to help AIDS patients. Additionally, Selena participated with the Texas Prevention Partnership, releasing educational videos such as "My Music" and "Selena Agrees" for students.

December 3, 1994: Concert after Selena Etc.'s second fashion show

On December 3, 1994, Selena, along with her band Selena y Los Dinos, performed a concert at the Hemisfair Arena in San Antonio following Selena Etc.'s second fashion show, blending her musical talent with her entrepreneurial fashion ventures.

1994: Duet "Donde Quiera Que Estés" Release

In 1994, Selena recorded a duet titled "Donde Quiera Que Estés" with the Barrio Boyzz, which was released on their album of the same name. This collaboration helped her expand her reach and tour in various regions where she was not as well-known.

1994: Release of Amor Prohibido

In 1994, Selena released Amor Prohibido, which became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States. It was critically acclaimed as being responsible for Tejano music's first marketable era.

1994: Entre a Mi Mundo Ranked as Second Best-Selling Regional Mexican Album

In 1994, Selena's album Entre a Mi Mundo was ranked as the second best-selling regional Mexican album of all time.

1994: Most Successful US Latin Singles of 1994

In 1994, the singles "Amor Prohibido" and "No Me Queda Más" were the most successful US Latin singles.

1994: EMI Plans Selena's Crossover Album

In late 1994, EMI chairman Charles Koppelman decided that Selena had achieved her goals in the Spanish-speaking market, and began preparing for her crossover into the English-language pop market. Grammy Award-winning composers were engaged and Selena continued touring.

January 1995: Selena Headlines Teach the Children Festival

In January 1995, Selena headlined the Teach the Children festival in San Antonio, raising funds for school supplies for needy children. She also advocated for women in abusive relationships and aided homeless shelters, encouraging her minority fans to make the most of their lives.

April 1995: Behar's Interview with Billboard Magazine

In an April 1995 interview with Billboard magazine, Behar expressed his view of Selena as being a cross between Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston in style, feel, and vocal range, highlighting her potential in the music industry.

1995: Salma Hayek Turns Down Role in Selena Biopic

In 1995, Salma Hayek turned down the role of Selena in a biopic, feeling it was too soon after Selena's death. Jennifer Lopez was cast instead, initially drawing criticism due to her Puerto Rican ancestry.

1995: Grammy Nomination for Best Mexican/American Album

In 1995, Selena's album Amor Prohibido received a Grammy nomination for Best Mexican/American Album at the 37th Grammy Awards. That same year it won Record of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards and Regional/Mexican Album of the Year at the Lo Nuestro Awards.

1995: Amor Prohibido Among the Best Selling U.S. Albums

In 1995, Selena's album Amor Prohibido was among the best selling U.S. albums and later certified 36x platinum by the RIAA for sales of 2.16 million album-equivalent units in the United States.

March 21, 1997: Release of the Selena Biopic Film

On March 21, 1997, the film Selena, directed by Gregory Nava and starring Jennifer Lopez, was released. It grossed $11,615,722 during its opening week and was a commercial and critical success, marking Lopez's breakthrough role.

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2017: Exhibit at National Museum of American History focused on Selena's influence in marketing

In 2017, an exhibit at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. focused on Selena's influence in marketing.

December 11, 2018: Announcement of Selena: The Series on Netflix

On December 11, 2018, it was announced that a biographical television series based on Selena's life, titled Selena: The Series, would be released on Netflix.

2019: Teaser Trailer Released for Selena: The Series

In late 2019, a teaser trailer was released for the biographical television series Selena: The Series, which would be released on Netflix.

December 4, 2020: Premiere of Selena: The Series on Netflix

On December 4, 2020, the first part of Selena: The Series premiered on Netflix, starring Christian Serratos as Selena.

December 2020: Release of Selena: The Series on Netflix

In December 2020, Selena: The Series, a biographical television series based on Selena's life, was released on Netflix, starring Christian Serratos as Selena.