José Behar of newly formed label EMI Latin Records , together with the new head of Sony Music Latin , watched Selena perform at the 1989 Tejano Music Awards . Behar was searching for new Latin acts and wanted to sign Selena to EMI 's label Capitol Records , while Sony Music Latin offered Quintanilla , Jr. twice Capitol 's signing fee . Behar thought he had discovered the " next Gloria Estefan " but his superior called Behar illogical because he had been in South Texas less than a week . Quintanilla , Jr. chose EMI Latin 's offer because of the potential for a crossover album , and wanted his children to be the first musicians to sign to the label . Before Selena began recording for her debut album , Behar and Stephen Finfer requested a crossover album for her . She recorded three English-language compositions for the heads of EMI 's pop division . Behar and Finfer 's request for a crossover album was denied and Selena was told she needed a bigger fan base to sell such an album . Behar thought EMI Records and the public did not believe that a Mexican American woman could have " crossover potential " after Charles Koppelman denied the project
1989 Tejano Music Awards
1989 Tejano Music Awards
Selena