Written By: Jayme Face
Madison Taylor Baez is a powerhouse singer that has made a name for herself singing the national anthem at professional sporting events and she will soon be seen playing young Selena in “Selena: The Series”.
Photo Credit: Tamara Tihanyi
upfrontNY: Can you tell us a little bit about “Selena: The Series” and your character young Selena?
Madison Taylor Baez: The series is about Selena, the whole family, and about them learning music with their father creating a family band and the struggles they endured over the years to eventually finding success. My character, Young Selena, is fun and is just starting out and finding her love for singing and performing. Even for being so young she is the core of family band.
upfrontNY: Selena was big before you were born, were you familiar with her or her music at all before getting the role?
Madison Taylor Baez: I was not but both my parents were. It was not until I auditioned for the role that I discovered Selena’s music and the amazing person she was and the impact she still has. I listened to all her songs and saw all her videos on YouTube. Now I hope that I can inspire kids to discover Selena and her music.
upfrontNY: Do you see any similarities between yourself and Selena?
Madison Taylor Baez: Omg there are so many. Both our fathers introduced us to music and singing, from all the practicing in the house and garage to driving around to sing at events. We even learned to sing in Spanish at the same age.
upfrontNY: What was the moment like when you found out that you booked the role and how does it feel to be a part of this series?
Madison Taylor Baez: Oh wow! So, I was at soccer practice with my dad who coached my team and he got a call during a water break and I heard him, like, yell with excitement then he told me the news. I was so, so happy and stunned I couldn’t even finish practice. We drove home from practice and I was thinking “I’m going to be Young Selena and get to tell her story.” Then, the not so fun part of getting this great news was I could not share it with anyone except my mom and big sister for months until Netflix announced the cast. Being a part of this series has been such an amazing experience. From working with all the awesome cast, to being on set recreating young Selena’s life…lots of fun times every day. Also wearing the clothes from back then was kind of funny too.
upfrontNY: You have performed at many sporting events and fairs, what is your favorite part about performing in front of a large crowd like that?
Madison Taylor Baez: I love the excitement and energy of singing the National Anthem in front of 50,000 people and hearing them cheer. It’s such a great feeling. When I sing at concerts at smaller places like a fair that’s just as fun too, because you’re up close to everyone and I get to talk to the crowd and have fun with them.
upfrontNY: When did you first realize, you could sing?
Madison Taylor Baez: I started singing with my Dad all the time when I was 2 years old and as I got older, I just felt that singing and music was a part of and in me. To see people smile when I sing makes me feel good inside. Also, with my dad being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer when I was 3, I would sing to him for during all his hospital stays his recoveries from all his surgeries and his chemo treatments. I’ve been doing it for the past 6 years. I never left his side and always had a song for him. He says that’s why he is cancer free today, my singing.
upfrontNY: What style of music do you gravitate towards?
Madison Taylor Baez: I like to sing Motown and Pop songs and music with Soul. I also like to sing all the songs from the Jersey Boys soundtrack.
upfrontNY: What singers and performers inspire you?
Madison Taylor Baez: Selena, of course, now that I know all about her music and seen her videos. I love Bruno Mars and have been to some of his shows. Beyoncé (she is amazing), Meghan Trainor, Sam Cooke, Etta James and I love Aretha Franklin.
upfrontNY: What do you like to do outside of performing?
Madison Taylor Baez: Play video games, go to the movies, cooking my Maddie Burgers, swimming, hanging out with friends and painting.
Favorites
Selena song: Bidi Bidi Bom Bom
Color: Blue
School Subject: Math
Animal: Dogs
Movie: Avengers End Game
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