June 23 (UPI) — Family and fans gathered Friday to see Selena’s wax figure unveiled at Madame Tussauds in New York.
The late Tejano singer, born Selena Quintanilla, was honored with a statue at the wax museum more than 22 years after her death.
Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, and “Orange is the New Black” star Jackie Cruz were among those in attendance. Cruz released a music video in 2015 for her cover of Selena’s song “Como La Flor.”
“She’s one of my biggest idols,” the actress told Billboard at the time. “And her music still lives on. I picked that song because it just reminds me a lot of a relationship I had in the past and it’s something I really connect to.”
Selena’s wax figure depicts the singer in the purple and black outfit she wore to her concert Feb. 7, 1993 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The statue is a re-sculpt of the original Selena figure at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, which debuted in August.
“At Madame Tussauds, our figures represent icons who have made a significant impact on our culture. That perfectly describes Selena,” Madame Tussauds general manager Colin Thomas said in July.
Selena released four studio albums before she was killed at age 23 by former friend and fan club president Yolanda Saldivar in 1995. She will be honored with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year.
