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In an emotional ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden honored several figures from the entertainment world, with a special tribute to icon Selena Quintanilla, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Arts and Sciences. National Humanities. Dubbed the “Queen of Tejano,” Selena is celebrated for her lasting impact on Latin music and culture, a legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
Accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, the president delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the importance of the arts in society. “You are storytellers of truth, bridge builders and seekers of change,” the President said. When mentioning Selena, Biden emphasized how her music and style have become a proud symbol of the Mexican-American community. “Let us remember every song she shared with us. We miss her dearly,” he added.
Selena Quintanilla was tragically murdered in 1995 at the age of 23, but her legacy lives on through hits like “Como la Flor” and “Amor Prohibido.” Her family has been instrumental in keeping her memory alive, with sister Suzette Quintanilla saying Selena would be “over the moon” for this recognition. “With hard work and dedication, you can achieve a lot,” says Suzette.
🎶 SELENA IS HONORED! Tejano Queen Selena Quintanilla has been awarded the 2022-2023 National Medal of Arts! Her younger sister, Suzette, received the honor at the White House from President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. It’s a beautiful tribute to Selena’s legacy. 💖 pic.twitter.com/m351R92XBM
– John-Carlos Estrada 🎙️ (@Mr_JCE) October 22, 2024
In addition to Selena, other honorees include prominent figures such as Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Steven Spielberg and Spike Lee.
The National Medal of Arts adds to the list of awards Selena has received, including:
- Special Award: Presented at the Grammys for her musical career and influence on the Tejano genre and beyond.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: An honor received by her family at the Grammy Awards, honoring her contributions to music.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, symbolizing her influence on entertainment.
Tara Ziemba/AFP via Getty Images
- Inducted into Billboard’s Latin Music Hall of Fame: Recognizing her influence and success in Latin music.
- Spirit of Hope Award: Established to honor Latino artists involved in humanitarian and civic causes.
- Tejano Music Awards: Selena has won multiple awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
- Billboard Latin Music Awards: Selena has received multiple Billboard awards, including Latin Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images
- Wax statue at Madame Tussauds: Her portrait was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, honoring her legacy and contributions to popular culture. This figure shows off her iconic look based on the famous outfit worn during the concert.
Rachel Murray/Getty Images
And with this recognition, Selena joins a select group of Latino artists who have received the National Medal of Arts, including:
- Celia Cruz, “Queen of Salsa”
- José “Cheo” Feliciano
- Eva Longoria
Heritage
Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1971, Selena Quintanilla became one of the most famous Mexican-American artists of the late 20th century. Her meteoric career began as a member of the band Selena y Los Dinos family, overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated genre. In 1989, she signed with EMI Latin, marking the beginning of a golden era for Tejano music.
Outstanding achievements:
- First Grammy Award in 1993 for Best Regional Mexican Album
- Recognized as the “Tejano Madonna” for her style and influence
- Ranked by Billboard as the third greatest Latin artist of all time
Selena not only revolutionized Tejano music but also paved the way for future generations of Latino artists. Her posthumous crossover album catapulted her to international fame, cementing her status as a cultural icon. In addition to her music career, Selena also ventured into the fashion industry and became a spokesperson for famous brands such as Coca-Cola.
Selena’s legacy still shines through, showing that her impact on music and culture transcends time and borders.
Tags Selena, Selena quintanilla, Singer, Movie, Death, Death, White House, President, Joe Biden