'Selena: The Series': Who is Madison Taylor Baez? America's 'Anthem Girl' plays young Selena in Netflix drama
After Jennifer Lopez played the role of iconic Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla in 1997's 'Selena', Christian Serratos is now set to take over the role for the upcoming Netflix release 'Selena: The Series.' The actress is well known for her variety of roles from Suzie Crabgrass in 'Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide ' (2004-2007) to Rosita Espinosa in AMC's 'The Walking Dead' (2014-2021). In the 1997 movie adaptation of the singer's life, Rebecca Lee Meza played Young Selena, and in the upcoming series adaption, Madison Taylor Baez will take over the role of the talent at a young age. Baez didn't know who Selena Quintanilla was when she was cast for the role as she told E! News, "My mom and dad were huge fans of (late) Selena's and they told me all about her and I fell in love with her. I watched the movie, I researched her, she's one of my idols and she inspires me to follow my dreams." The young actress had auditioned for the role, a process that took about three months before she was finally cast.
So, who is Baez?
The 9-year-old is considered to be a musical prodigy. She is a singer and actress. Baez is of Hispanic & Filipino descent and was raised in Orange County California. Many may remember her young face as "Anthem Girl" after she's sung the National Anthem for the LA Dodgers, Lakers, Harlem Globetrotters and at many more at stadiums and arenas. Last year in 2019, she was part of host and comedian Tiffany Haddish's 'Kids Say the Darndest Things' where she had performed Beyonce's 'Listen' to a standing ovation. According to reports, the young girl has also been featured in NBC 4 'Access Hollywood', 'The Good LA Morning Show,' and 'Inside Edition'. Besides being on 'Kids Say the Darndest Things', Baez played a role in the 'The Tooth Racket' along with being in national commercials for big brands such as Walmart and McDonald's. She's also been part of music videos for Nina West and DJ Carnage.
As for playing the part of Young Selena, Baez had been ever ready. In an interview with themujerista, Baez said, "So much of young Selena’s life is like my own. From all the practicing, singing, performing, to the conversations about music with my father. Music and singing in my life is a part of my everyday life. Both our families have had many struggles trying to find success in the music and acting industry." She further dished on her role adding, "I play a fun-loving young Selena who is the lead singer in the family band with her father, brother, and sister. She’s finding herself as a singer and things are not always easy for the family. There are many struggles along the way on their journey to finding success. Young Selena and her father share a special bond."
'Selena: The Series' premieres on Netflix on December 4, 2020. Watch the trailer below.