In a bittersweet performance at the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Jennifer Lopez stepped on stage to honor Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez once more. Originally taking on the role of Selena in the 1997 biopic, J. Lo reunited with the Quintanilla family to implement a medley of songs with the Los Dinos.
March marked the 20th anniversary of the singer's death, whose life was taken by her fan club president at the time, Yolanda Saldivar. The Los Dinos, made up of Selena's brother and sister, A.B. and Suzette, as well as her husband Chris Perez, backed Lopez throughout a collection of Selena hits including "Como La Flor," "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," "Amor Prohibido", "I Could Fall in Love" and "No me Queda Mas," all with soundbytes and a photo montage of Selena adorning the screens in the background. The enthusiastic, sing-along crowd helped fuel the performance as screams ensued every time J. Lo nailed the dance moves she practiced over 18 years ago for her breakout film.
Jennifer Lopez attributes the film for her explosion to fame and told NBC's Today: "There is only one Selena. And there only ever will be. She's just one of those special types of artists that - with her music and her spirit and her heart—really touched people. The impact that it had on my life, on my career...It was a great thing for her to be my mentor. And it was a great thing to have her teach me so much about how to navigate this business, but also how to navigate through life."
"Hands up for Selena and Los Dinos," she shouted to the crowd, which included Gregory Nava, the writer and director of the 1997 movie, notes Billboard. "Sing with me!"
Wearing a soft-pink jeweled dress, Lopez belted the start of the tribute with "Como La Flor," ripping off the sheer, floor length material as the beat kicked in, to reveal an underlying outfit of high-waisted pants and a Selena-made-famous bustier. Lopez made another outfit change for the start of "I Could Fall in Love," as she ran behind stage to parade a ruffled skirt. Two decades after her passing, Selena remains a staple in Latin music and a prime reason Tejano music made its way onto the American map.
Nostalgia was tangible as everyone in the room remembered the Mexican-American singer, fashion designer and dancer, who's spirit lives on through Jennifer Lopez, the Quintanilla family and the endless devoted fans.
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