By Anna Ortega
September 23, 2026
Shakira and Selena Quintanilla stand tall as two of the most successful, influential, and universally beloved Latina musicians of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape. Because the Queen of Tejano music tragically passed away in 1995 at the tender age of 23, the world was robbed of the opportunity to ever witness a direct musical collaboration between these two transcendent icons. Fans have long spent decades imagining what a studio session, a shared stage, or a vocal powerhouse duet between the Colombian singer-songwriter and the Texas-born Tejano superstar might have sounded like. While a direct collaboration never came to fruition due to the cruel interruption of history, a fascinating piece of music history remains: Shakira once covered Selena.
The lesser-known homage took place back in 2002, during a period when Shakira was rapidly expanding her crossover appeal and dominating international charts following the massive success of her English-language debut album, Laundry Service. During a special guest appearance on the popular Mexican late-night sketch and variety comedy show Otro Rollo, hosted by Adal Ramones, the pop superstar participated in a playful musical segment. As part of a lighthearted game on stage, Shakira delivered a spontaneous, pitch-perfect a cappella performance of the chorus from Selena’s timeless mega-hit "Amor Prohibido." The brief yet powerful rendition instantly captivated the studio audience, who enthusiastically clapped along in rhythm, recognizing the magnitude of the moment as one powerhouse artist honoring another on a major international broadcast.
That memorable television appearance, however, is far from the only time that Shakira has paid homage to the enduring legacy of Selena Quintanilla. Decades later, the Colombian superstar found a more permanent and prominent way to weave her admiration for the Tejano legend into her own vast musical catalog. In March 2024, Shakira released her critically acclaimed twelfth studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, a deeply personal record that chronicled her emotional resilience following high-profile personal trials. Among the standout tracks on the album was "Entre Paréntesis," an infectious, accordion-driven regional Mexican collaboration featuring the chart-topping Texas group Grupo Frontera.
The release of "Entre Paréntesis" was accompanied by an official music video that served as a deliberate and heartfelt love letter to the history of Tejano and norteño music, most notably through direct nods to Selena. In the music video, Shakira honors the late singer by intentionally recreating some of Selena’s most iconic, instantly recognizable dance moves and stage presence. The visual tribute did not go unnoticed by fans worldwide, who immediately flooded social media with side-by-side comparisons of Selena’s legendary live performances and Shakira’s choreography in the video.
Demonstrating her deep reverence for the path that Selena paved for Latina artists crossing over into mainstream global markets, Shakira took to Instagram to share her personal thoughts on the tribute. Alongside promotional clips from the music video, she wrote a touching message to her followers and fans of the late singer, describing the track and its accompanying visuals as, "My little tribute with all my love to Selena, one of the most beautiful and greatest artists of all time!"
The connection between Shakira and Selena highlights a broader narrative within Latin music history, demonstrating how foundational artists continue to inspire subsequent generations of women who break down cultural and linguistic barriers on the global stage. While Selena’s life was cut tragically short, her spirit continues to live on through the continued acknowledgments, covers, and tributes performed by modern superstars like Shakira, ensuring that the Queen of Tejano music remains an eternal presence in contemporary Latin pop culture.
