This Is Why 2016 Was a Great Year For Selena Quintanilla Fans

Updated on Dec 31, 2016 at 9:00 AM

No one can deny that since the untimely passing of Selena Quintanilla 21 years ago in Corpus Christi, TX, her memory and music have remained present. But unlike other years past, 2016 felt defining. This was the year with the most beautiful and remarkable tributes to the late tejano singer.

In the past 12 months, the Latino music community and Selena's old and new fans have been vocal, petitioning big brands to honor their idol and celebrating every win and tribute loudly. Thanks to them, Selena was not only recognized as the top Latino artist of the year at the Latin Billboard Music Awards, but was also included in the list of icons receiving a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2017. And, of course, it goes without mentioning that the singer's MAC Cosmetics collection was a sensation, selling out in mere minutes and causing a frenzy of internet reactions. And that wasn't even all. Keep reading to see 17 moments that made 2016 a great year for Selena's fans.

A Petition For a Selena Barbie Started Making the Rounds

Fans of the tejano singer asked Mattel for a Selena Barbie, saying, "There has yet to be any curvy Hispanic barbie dolls in any Barbie line and we think Selena is a perfect candidate for that kind of representation." As of December 2016, the petition has over 7,000 signatures.

We Are Mitú Tried to Get Everyone to Vote With a Little Help From a Selena Song

The catchy pro-voting lyrics set to "Baila Esta Cumbia" got us out on Super Tuesday.

Kat Von D Gave Us an Amazing Rendition of "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom"

It was badass and beautiful at the same time.

And Jackie Cruz Gave Us a Tear-Jerking Cover of "Como La Flor"

Excuse us while we try to pull ourselves together. Why did Jackie pick this song? "It just reminds me a lot of a relationship I had in the past, and it's something I really connect to," she told Billboard.

Selena Won Top Latin Artist of the Year at the Latin Billboard Music Awards

Because her music is still everyone's favorite.

MAC Launched a Selena Collection Created by the Singer's Sister, Suzette Quintanilla

There were 13 gorgeous products, from a red lipstick named Como La Flor to the bronzer and blush duo called Techno Cumbia, and we wanted it all.

We Got the News That Selena Will Be Getting a Star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017

Selena is joining 33 other stars getting a star next year, including Eva Longoria.

Madame Tussauds Debuted a Selena Wax Figure

And the resemblance was uncanny.

Elia Esparza Sang Selena's "Como La Flor" on The Voice

And the internet lost it — lost it!

Desi Perkins Transformed Into Selena Using the MAC x Selena Collection

Desi loved the process. We loved the tutorial. Thousands of people basically had this video on repeat.

Prince Royce Performed at the MAC x Selena Launch in Corpus Christi, TX

We couldn't think of a better person to honor Selena on such a day.

The MAC x Selena Collection Immediately Sold Out

Yes, this is a good thing. It means Selena's fans came out in full force to support her!

Suzette Quintanilla and Chris Perez Opened Up About Their Best Memories With the Singer

Selena's sister and husband told us they loved their one-on-one time with Selena post-shows, and her infectious laugh.

JoJo Performed "Dreaming of You" at Her Concert in Corpus Christi, TX

She knew it was the perfect place for a Selena tribute.

This Selena Lipstick Costume Won Halloween

Everyone else's costumes lost the contest. This DIY of MAC's Como La Flor lipstick took the prize.

It Was Announced That a Selena TV Show Is in the Works

Chris announced on Facebook that the series will be based on his book To Selena, With Love. We're not sure the show will happen, though, since Selena's dad, Abraham Quintanilla, is suing to stop production.

Wisin, Franki J, and Leslie Grace Remade "Si Una Vez"

They gave it a reggaeton beat you'll just love.

MAC Announced a Restock of the Selena Collection

The makeup brand gave fans a second chance to get their hands on the collection by restocking 12 out of the 13 products in the line on Dec. 28.