Feature Photo: dephisticate, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Born on July 22, 1992, Gomez began her journey in the entertainment industry at a young age, first gaining recognition for her role on the children’s television series Barney & Friends alongside Demi Lovato. Her magnetic presence and natural acting abilities led to her breakthrough role as Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, which aired from 2007 to 2012. This role not only earned her widespread acclaim but also marked the beginning of her transformation into a household name.
While Gomez made her mark in television, her musical career began to take shape when she formed Selena Gomez & the Scene in 2009. The pop-rock band, consisting of Gomez as the lead vocalist alongside Ethan Roberts, Joey Clement, Dane Forrest, and Greg Garman, released three studio albums before disbanding in 2012. Their debut album, Kiss & Tell, produced hits like “Naturally” and earned Gold certification by the RIAA. Follow-up albums A Year Without Rain and When the Sun Goes Down solidified their success, with singles like “Who Says” and “Love You Like a Love Song” becoming anthems of empowerment for her young fanbase.
Following the band’s dissolution, Gomez embarked on a solo music career that has been marked by significant artistic growth. Her debut solo album, Stars Dance (2013), showcased a more mature sound, with the electro-pop hit “Come & Get It” reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. She continued her musical evolution with Revival (2015), an album that revealed her emotional vulnerability and creative vision. Featuring chart-topping singles like “Good for You,” “Same Old Love,” and “Hands to Myself,” the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and established her as a force in the music industry.
Over the years, Gomez has released a total of three solo studio albums, including Rare (2020), which featured the poignant and introspective hit “Lose You to Love Me.” This track, her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, marked a significant moment in her career, resonating deeply with fans for its raw emotion and personal significance. The album also included other hits like “Look at Her Now” and “Rare,” further cementing her ability to connect with audiences through her music.
In addition to her success as a singer and actress, Gomez has garnered numerous accolades, including American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Women in Music honors. Her work as an executive producer on Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why and HBO Max’s Selena + Chef highlights her versatility and commitment to meaningful storytelling. Beyond the entertainment industry, Gomez has become a powerful advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to break stigmas and share her own experiences. She launched the Rare Impact Fund in 2020 to support mental health initiatives, aligning her personal struggles with her passion for creating positive change.
Selena Gomez’s influence extends beyond music and film. As an entrepreneur, she has successfully launched Rare Beauty, a cosmetics brand celebrated for promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance. Her philanthropic efforts, including her work with UNICEF as a goodwill ambassador since 2009, demonstrate her dedication to making a global impact. From providing clean water to communities in need to supporting education programs, Gomez’s contributions reflect her compassionate spirit and desire to give back.
Loved by fans for her relatability, Gomez has maintained an authentic connection with her audience through her transparency and resilience. Her journey from a Disney star to a multifaceted artist and advocate is a testament to her determination and talent. Selena Gomez continues to inspire millions worldwide, proving that her artistry and humanitarian work go hand in hand in shaping her legacy.
(A-C)
“999” – Non-album single (2021) “Adiós” – Revelación (2021) “Already Missing You” (Prince Royce featuring Selena Gomez) – Soy el Mismo (2013) “Anxiety” (Julia Michaels featuring Selena Gomez) – Inner Monologue Part 1 (2019) “As a Blonde” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Back to You” – Rare (2018) “Bad Liar” – Rare (2017) “Baila Conmigo” – Revelación (2021) “Bang a Drum” – Another Cinderella Story (2008) “Bang Bang Bang” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “B.E.A.T.” – Stars Dance (2013) “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” – Enamorada de Ti (2012) “Bienvenida” – TBA (2024) “Birthday” – Stars Dance (2013) “Body Heat” – Revival (2015) “Boyfriend” – Rare (2020) “Buscando Amor” – Revelación (2021) “Calm Down” – Rave & Roses Ultra (2022) “Camouflage” – Revival (2015) “Cologne” – Revival (2015) “Come & Get It” – Stars Dance (2013) “Crowded Room” – Rare (2020) “Cruella de Vil” – Disneymania 6 (2008) “Crush” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Cut You Off” – Rare (2020)
(D-I)
“Dámelo To'” (featuring Myke Towers) – Revelación (2021) “Dance Again” – Rare (2020) “De Una Vez” – Revelación (2021) “Disappear” – Wizards of Waverly Place (2009) “Do It” – For You (2014) “Everything Is Not What It Seems” – Wizards of Waverly Place (2009) “Falling Down” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Feel Me” – Rare (2020) “Fetish” (featuring Gucci Mane) – Rare (2017) “Forget Forever” – Stars Dance (2013) “Fly to Your Heart” – Tinker Bell (2008) “Fun” – Rare (2020) “Ghost of You” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “Good for You” (featuring ASAP Rocky) – Revival (2015) “Hands” – Non-album single (2016) “Hands to Myself” – Revival (2015) “The Heart Wants What It Wants” – For You (2014) “Hit the Lights” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “Hold On” (with Ben Kweller) – Rudderless (2014) “I Can’t Get Enough” (with Benny Blanco, J Balvin, and Tainy) – Non-album single (2019) “I Don’t Miss You at All” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “I Got U” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “I Like It That Way” – Stars Dance (2013) “I Promise You” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “I Want You to Know” (featuring Zedd) – True Colors (2015) “I Won’t Apologize” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Ice Cream” (with Blackpink) – The Album (2020) “Intuition” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo) – Stargazing and Rare (2017)
(K-N)
“Kill Em with Kindness” – Revival (2015) “Kinda Crazy” – Rare (2020) “Kiss & Tell” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Let Me Get Me” – Rare (2020) “Let Somebody Go” – Music of the Spheres (2021) “Like a Champion” – Stars Dance (2013) “Live Like There’s No Tomorrow” – Ramona and Beezus (2010) “Look at Her Now” – Rare (2019) “Lose You to Love Me” – Rare (2019) “Love On” – Non-album single (2024) “Love Will Remember” – Stars Dance (2013) “Love You like a Love Song” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “Lover in Me” – Stars Dance (2013) “Magic” – Wizards of Waverly Place (2009) “Magical” – Wizards of Waverly Place (2009) “Me & My Girls” – Revival (2015) “Me & the Rhythm” – Revival (2015) “Mi Camino” – Emilia Pérez (2024) “Middle of Nowhere” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “More” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Music Feels Better” – Stars Dance (2013) “My Dilemma” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “My Mind & Me” – Non-album single (2022) “Naturally” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “New Classic” – Another Cinderella Story (2008) “Nobody” – Revival (2015) “Nobody Does It Like You” – Stars Dance (2013)
(O-S)
“Off the Chain” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “One and the Same” – Disney Channel Playlist (2009) “Only You” (cover) – 13 Reasons Why (2017) “Outlaw” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “Outta My Hands (Loco)” – Revival (2015) “Past Life” – Non-album single (2020) “People You Know” – Rare (2020) “Perfect” – Revival (2015) “Rare” – Rare (2020) “Revival” – Revival (2015) “Ring” – Rare (2020) “Rise” – Revival (2015) “Rock God” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “Round & Round” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “Same Old Love” – Revival (2015) “Save the Day” – Stars Dance (2013) “Selfish Love” – Revelación (2021) “Send It On” – Non-album single (2009) “Shake It Up” – Shake It Up: Break It Down (2013) “She” – Rare (2020) “Sick of You” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “Single Soon” – Non-album single (2023) “Slow Down” – Stars Dance (2013) “Sober” – Revival (2015) “Souvenir” – Rare (2020) “Spotlight” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “Stars Dance” – Stars Dance (2013) “Stop & Erase” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Summer’s Not Hot” – A Year Without Rain (2010) “Survivors” – Revival (2015) “A Sweeter Place” – Rare (2020)
(T-Z)
“Taki Taki” – Carte Blanche (2018) “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” – Another Cinderella Story (2008), Kiss & Tell (2009) “That’s More Like It” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “The Way I Loved You” – Kiss & Tell (2009) “Trust Nobody” – 9 (2016) “Trust in Me” – Disneymania 7 (2010) “Undercover” – Stars Dance (2013) “Vicio” – Revelación (2021) “Vulnerable” – Rare (2020) “We Don’t Talk Anymore” – Nine Track Mind (2016) “We Own the Night” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “When the Sun Goes Down” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “Whiplash” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “Whoa Oh! (Me vs. Everyone) (Remix)” – Non-album single (2009) “Who Says” – When the Sun Goes Down (2011) “Winter Wonderland” – All Wrapped Up Vol. 2 (2009) “Wolves” – Rare (2017) “Write Your Name” – Stars Dance (2013) “A Year Without Rain” – A Year Without Rain (2010)
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Selena Gomez articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.