My dad always says Jennifer Lopez owes a big chunk of her accreted success to Selena. He’s right. In 1997, the multitasking creative portrayed the late Queen of Tejano music in an unforgettable biopic. That role formally established the singer as an actress and propelled her into stardom. 23 years later, the Bronx-native seems even more hyper-cognizant of that than the rest of us. On Sunday night, JLo used part of her set at the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina in Miami to pay tribute to Selena.
Most of us can agree that this is the year of JLo. An Oscar-worthy performance on Hustlers, another film in the works (with Maluma), enviable music collaborations and a solidification of her power couple union with retired baseball legend Alex Rodriguez are amongst the reasons why the ageless performer has a bit of an extra glow lately. This performance of the classic “Si Una Vez,” unfortunately, will not quite make the highlight reel.
The moment the drum sticks hit the hi-hats everyone at the American Airlines Arena knew what was about to go down. Lopez took off strong, at one point saying, “We gotta do it like Selena did it.” But, there was some unexpected turbulence in the air, and then a rocky landing. Luckily all the passengers seemed too enamored with her – and the icon she was honoring – to jump ship.
Truthfully, any opportunity to belt Quintanilla’s lyrics alongside a crowd of thousands is appreciated and JLo knows it. “Si Una Vez,” has reportedly made a few appearances on her It’s My Party tour.
“Arriba la Selena hoy y para siempre!” Lopez screamed pointing upward to close it off.
Arriba. We can only go up from here.