The award was first presented to American singer Lisa Lopez . Laura Canales won the award five nonconsecutive times , and is considered Tejano music 's first leading lady before the genre 's golden age in the 1990s . Selena holds the record for most wins , winning 11 of her 12 nominations . The singer has been called the Queen of Tejano music , and is credited with catapulting the genre into the mainstream market . Following her death in March 1995 , the genre suffered and its popularity waned . In 1998 Shelly Lares won for the first time since she was initially nominated in 1986 . She holds the record for most nominations at 28 . The following year Jennifer Peña won the award ; the first time the award was won by two different participants since 1982 . The current award holder is Elida Reyna who has the record for most consecutive wins - ten
death in March 1995
Murder of Selena
Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year