Karol G wears Selena t-shirt on set of “Mi Ex Tenia Razion” music video (Courtesy photo)

But Astudillo believes “Alguien Que Te Amaba” takes that relationship with Tejano music even further.

“Why else would you bring in one of the writers for Selena if you didn’t want to get that sound?” Astudillo said.

The songwriter sees the collaboration as a continuation of Karol G’s love for Tejano rather than simply a Selena tribute.

And that distinction matters to him.

Astudillo believes Karol G is approaching the music from an authentic place—not because she needs Tejano to expand her audience, but because she genuinely enjoys the genre.

Why Karol G’s Tejano Connection Matters

Perhaps the most powerful portion of Astudillo’s conversation with Leal centered on what “Alguien Que Te Amaba” could mean for Tejano music.

Astudillo acknowledged that Tejano is a smaller musical market than the one Karol G normally occupies. That makes her decision to embrace the sound particularly meaningful.

He believes she is bringing her enormous global audience into Tejano while simultaneously introducing Tejano music to listeners who may have never explored the genre.

“She’s bringing so much attention to our market,” Astudillo said. “So much needed attention, giving us a shot of energy, a shot of youth.”

That last point is especially important.

Astudillo believes the future of Tejano depends on attracting younger listeners.

He compared the potential impact of Karol G’s collaboration to what happened with Frontera, whose success helped introduce Tejano-influenced music to a broader contemporary audience.

For Astudillo, the answer isn’t to reject outside influences. It’s to embrace opportunities that can expand the genre.

“We need to embrace anything good that’s going to grow our market,” he said.

He believes younger listeners who may have previously viewed Tejano as music belonging to an older generation could hear Karol G’s song and suddenly think differently.

“Maybe after this song, ‘Hey, Tejano is pretty cool, man. Let me give it another listen.’”

That, Astudillo believes, could be one of the most important outcomes of the collaboration.

“There’s Going to Be a Before and After”

Astudillo stopped short of claiming that one song will single-handedly transform Tejano music. But he believes “Alguien Que Te Amaba” could become an important catalyst.

“I think as this song is going to, I think there’s going to be a before and after in the Tejano industry,” he said.

He acknowledged that the genre already has artists and bands working hard to keep Tejano alive, including groups performing week after week across Texas and beyond.

But he believes Karol G’s involvement can provide something the genre desperately needs: visibility among younger audiences.

“I’m not saying that this song is going to change the world or change Tejano music forever, but it will help,” Astudillo said.

And for a genre that has experienced major highs, difficult periods and constant evolution, Astudillo believes that positive momentum should be welcomed.

Tejano Has Always Evolved

Astudillo also pushed back against the idea that Tejano must remain locked into a particular sound or era. He pointed out that the music of the 1970s wasn’t the same as the Tejano of the 1980s, and the Tejano of the 1980s wasn’t the same as the music of the 1990s.

The genre evolved.

Orchestras gave way to new keyboard-driven sounds. Cumbia became increasingly important. Groups such as Selena y Los Dinos, La Mafia, and Mazz helped redefine the possibilities of Tejano.

For Astudillo, that history proves that change isn’t something the genre should fear.

“We should embrace change,” he said. “Positive change because it is going to be good for the market and we need the youth to keep the market going.”

More Than One Collaboration

While “Alguien Que Te Amaba” is generating the most attention, Astudillo’s recent creative work extends well beyond the Karol G collaboration.

He continues to contribute to projects that connect Tejano’s past, present and future, including David Lee Garza‘s “Haces Falta Tú,” a Flaco Jiménez tribute featuring Los Texmaniacs, Chris Pérez and Louie The Singer, and work connected to Jennifer Peña, including “Wakala.”

Those collaborations demonstrate the breadth of Astudillo’s career and his continued ability to move between generations and musical styles.

His history alone places him at the center of Tejano’s legacy.

As a member of Selena y Los Dinos, Astudillo was part of the musical foundation that helped propel Tejano onto an international stage. As a songwriter, he collaborated with A.B. Quintanilla, Ricky Vela and Selena, contributing to songs that remain central to the genre’s history.

Conciertos