Entertainment

Selena Quintanilla Finally Received A Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star & Twitter Is Cheering

by Mary Kate McGrath
Rachel Murray/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

On Saturday, Nov. 4, fans celebrated an important tribute to the late singer Selena Quintanilla, whose star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled in a moving ceremony. According to ABC News, the occasion broke records, as approximately 4,500 fans gathered in front of the Capitol Records building on Vine Street in Hollywood to honor the star — and those who couldn't be there posted their joy on Twitter.

The event was the most attended Walk of Fame ceremony in history, breaking the record held by Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez since 1998, reported ABC News. Selena's family and friends accepted the honor on her behalf, and attendees included her sister Suzette Quintanilla, brother A.B. Quintanilla III, and her mother and father, Marcella Ofelia Samora and Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Her former-husband, Chris Perez, was also present. The mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, was on hand as well, and even declared it "Selena Day" in the city.

Selena was an icon in the '90s, and her music created new opportunity for women in Latin music. Her stardom also brought contemporary Latin artists into the mainstream, paving the way for many successful singers and songwriters like Jennifer Lopez. Best known for chart-topping hits like "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Como la flor," Selena remains the highest-selling female artist in Latin music of all time. She was from Texas, and died in 1995 after being shot by a former business partner. On Twitter, fans were thrilled to see the Tejano star receive this well-deserved and prestigious recognition for her work, and celebrated accordingly.

Two decades have passed since the star's untimely death, but her legacy lives on. She remains a quintessential part of popular culture, influencing stars from all realms of the entertainment industry. Selena Gomez has often paid tribute to the late star who is her namesake, and released a cover of "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" in 2014. This year Demi Lovato dressed as Selena for Halloween, and popular RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Valentina cited her as a primary influence on the show's most recent season. Many stars were happy to see the singer immortalized on the Walk of Fame, and Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria was in attendance to make remarks.

At the ceremony and on Twitter, Longoria told of how Selena's influence in her own personal and professional life. “Selena’s voice was a key that unlocked the hearts and minds of millions,” Longoria said at the event, according to Billboard. “She was a small town girl with a big heart and a smile that radiated and captivated people everywhere. That small town was my hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas. And she was the face I finally saw that looked like mine.” In a Twitter post, the actor reiterated the sentiment.

Longoria wrote: "About last night It was such an honor to be part of the Hollywood #WalkOfFame star unveiling of #SelenaQuintanilla #Latinas." The actor wasn't the only star to recognize the tribute to Selena, and the rapper Common also shared his thoughts on Saturday.

He wrote: "LEGEND. This was long overdue for Queen Selena." For many, this honor was a much-needed reminder of the singer's contributions to music as well as her groundbreaking cultural role. Fans of the star posted similar posts in celebration:

Many honored Selena's star unveiling by listening to her music, and this Twitter used felt that the city-wide "Selena Day" should be a national holiday instead.

This moving thread by comedian Cristela Alonzo discussed how Selena influenced her, and showed how important a role model like Selena is for young people. The star is an important moment for Alonzo, as it symbolizes the passion and love that Selena had for her music and fans, and empowers young people to have a similar approach to life.

Many Twitter users were incredibly excited that Selena was going to get a star on the Hall of Fame, and celebrated the day of the big reveal. with posts like this one from YouTuber Desi Perkins.

Some fans noted that the star is a huge moment for the star's family, and that it should be honored as such. The powerful symbol of Selena's legacy made all close to her emotional.

Selena Quintanilla's star is the 2,622nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the 89th star belonging to a Latino artist, according to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The other honorees include Jennifer Lopez and Celia Cruz. While many, including Longoria, spoke at the the event, the words of Selena's sister were particularly moving. "Selena said the goal isn't to live forever but to create something that will," Suzette Quintanilla told the crowd, according to the ABC News report. "And I think tonight is a perfect testament of that."

Later in the evening, fans paraded on the Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate the life and legacy of Selena. Her music, spirit, and influence have lasted in the decades since the tragic end to her life. Fans of the star have waited for this moment of recognition, and took this opportunity to celebrate Selena and all she represents both on the streets of Hollywood and on Twitter.