There is a 148-second video of Selena Quintanilla performing a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” during her 1987 show at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre.
The short clip provides an excellent illustration of young Selena’s performing style and energy. It begins with the famous joke by Quintanilla, who says the song is performed by “Janet Jackson’s brother.”
This video captures Selena’s performing skills, stage presence, dance moves, and charm long before she gained nationwide recognition and even several years before she lost her life in 1995 at the age of 23.
Her young fans praised Selena highly for her raw talent and for being so humorous and lively before she became a megastar.
“This is a song by Janet Jackson’s brother.” This statement proves that Selena is an outstanding performer, and it is a compliment to Janet. “Janet Jackson did it for herself, unlike most pop singers whose fame is based upon their brothers.”
People found this video very emotional, wishing that both singers were alive. “‘Selena & Michael should both still be alive today. They affected so many people with their talent.'”
Many people took Selena’s “Janet Jackson’s brother” joke as an expression of her admiration for the singer. “Oh, I just know Selena was the No. 1 Janet fan back in the day.”
At least one fan mentioned Selena’s murderer in a comment: “May Yolanda continue rotting.”
The video is from Selena’s early years, when she was still developing her unique pop/Tejano style.
