Tribute to a Childhood Idol

"Anything for Salinas..." was a memorable quote from, "Selena," the motion picture. When I was a four-year-old I would have the done the same thing...anything for Selena.


A lot of Latinas my age, know of who I'm talking about and was too their childhood idol.

My childhood idol

As a child I grew up hearing her music and from what I remember she was my favorite singer long before all the Britney's, Beyonce's, Christina's came along.


I want to tribute my childhood idol and forever idol, Selena, which March 31st marked her 17th death anniversary. A true artist taken away from the world at a young age.


Selena Quintanilla, also known just as Selena was a famous Mexican-American singer/songwriter from the early 90s. She was named "The Queen of Tejano music" and topped the latin charts. Songs like "Amor Prohibido" and "No Me Queda Mas" immortalized her.


Selena was born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in April 16, 1971. Her family relocated in Houston where her career came to a start.


Her career soared to the top and was very successful. But her career came to an end when she was murdered at the young age of 23. She was assassinated by her club president, Yolanda Saldivar.

Yes, this is me! Dixy performing to Selena. 

I'm not going to continue and talk about her bio but rather than tell you about how Selena made a huge impact on me as a child. 


As a little girl I always wanted to be like her. I knew every song in the cassette my mom had bought me. I would play it over and over again. I would sing along to her songs and danced in my room pretending I was giving a concert.


Ever since then, my mom saw some potential in me and would register me in talent competitions. I remember loving it, especially because I got to sing to Selena songs. I was never shy and loved performing in front of people. My mom would even make me outfits that matched the Selena song. As you can imagine, this was a dream was a dream come true. I got to be just like Selena! Needless to say, I was pretty good at entertaining people while imitating Selena. In a child pageant (not like the ones here in the U.S.)  I even won "the talent" trophy.


The song that will always remind me of Selena is "Techno Cumbia," which gave me the winning trophy. The picture above is the outfit my mom made me when I was competing. The outfit is just like the girl who is dancing in the "Techno Cumbia" video. I loved singing that song. 


Her music was what I grew up with and her Tejana influence forever changed my world. My childhood memories are all full of Selena and I think she's was a worthy role model to me. I want to thank Selena for always filling my childhood memories with happiness and laughter.


Forever Selena!


Dixy