How Selena Gomez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Selena Gomez is an American actress, singer, producer, and businesswoman. She started her career as a child actress on Barney & Friends before gaining prominence as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place. Gomez signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and fronted the band Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums.
In 2002, Selena Gomez began her acting career on the children's television series Barney & Friends, portraying Gianna.
In 2002, Selena Gomez began her acting career on the children's television series Barney & Friends.
In 2003, while working on Barney & Friends, Selena Gomez had a bit part role in the film Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over.
Between 2002 and 2004, Selena Gomez appeared in thirteen episodes of Barney & Friends; the show's producers released her as she was "too old" for the series.
In 2004, Selena Gomez left Barney & Friends because she was "too old" for the series.
In 2006, Selena Gomez appeared in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
In 2006, Selena Gomez guest starred in an episode of the Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
In 2007, Selena Gomez landed the lead role as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place, marking a significant step in her career.
In 2007, Selena Gomez was given a recurring role on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana as pop star Mikayla and she won the lead role of Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place.
In October 2008, Selena Gomez participated in St. Jude's Children's Hospital's "Runway For Life" benefit in Beverly Hills, helping raise over $1 million. In that same month, she became UNICEF's spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat campaign.
In 2008, Selena Gomez signed with Hollywood Records, marking the beginning of her music career.
In 2008, Selena Gomez starred in the film Another Cinderella Story.
In 2008, Selena Gomez voiced Helga in the animated film Horton Hears a Who!, while working on the second season of Wizards of Waverly Place.
In 2008, Selena Gomez was involved in the UR Votes Count campaign, encouraging teenagers to learn more about the presidential candidates.
In June 2009, Selena Gomez, along with Demi Lovato, starred in the Disney Channel film Princess Protection Program, which premiered to 8.5 million viewers.
In August 2009, at the age of 17, Selena Gomez became the youngest UNICEF ambassador at the time.
In September 2009, Selena Gomez & the Scene released their debut studio album, Kiss & Tell, which debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200.
In September 2009, Selena Gomez traveled to Ghana for one week in her first official field mission as a UNICEF ambassador to witness the conditions of vulnerable children.
From 2009, Selena Gomez was involved in "Disney's Friends for Change", which promoted "environmentally-friendly behavior", and appeared in its public service announcements.
In 2009, Selena Gomez & the Scene released their debut album, Kiss & Tell.
In 2009, Selena Gomez became the ambassador of DoSomething after being involved with the charity Island Dog in Puerto Rico. Also in 2009, Gomez has been involved with the charity RAISE Hope For Congo, an initiative of the Enough Project, raising funds for war-torn African country.
In 2009, Selena Gomez has played an active role in advocating for the world's "most vulnerable children" by participating in several campaigns, events, and initiatives on behalf of the organization.
In 2009, Selena Gomez participated in Sears's back-to-school fashion campaign and hosted the "Sears Arrive Air Band Casting Call". She also became the spokesperson for Borden Milk, starring in the brand's print ads and television commercials.
In 2009, Selena Gomez was named spokesperson for UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat campaign for the second year. She hoped to raise US$1 million.
In 2010, Selena Gomez & the Scene released their second album, A Year Without Rain.
In 2010, Selena Gomez conducted and organized a charity concert for UNICEF.
In 2010, Selena Gomez released her Dream Out Loud collection, featuring bohemian dresses, floral tops, and other items made from recycled or eco-friendly materials. The line was released in collaboration with designers Tony Melillo and Sandra Campos.
In 2010, Selena Gomez returned as the UNICEF spokesperson for the 60th anniversary of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.
In 2010, Selena Gomez starred alongside Joey King in Ramona and Beezus, a film adaptation of the children's novel series by Beverly Cleary.
In February 2011, Selena Gomez traveled to Chile to meet with families of the UNICEF-supported "Programa Puente."
On July 14, 2011, Selena Gomez signed a license agreement with Adrenalina to develop, manufacture, and distribute her own fragrance.
In 2011, Selena Gomez & the Scene released their third album, When the Sun Goes Down, to mixed reviews.
In 2011, Selena Gomez & the Scene released their third album, When the Sun Goes Down.
In 2011, Selena Gomez starred in the comedy film Monte Carlo, playing the lead role of Grace.
In January 2012, Selena Gomez confirmed that she would be taking a break from music, placing Selena Gomez & the Scene on hiatus, which eventually became a permanent split.
In April 2012, Selena Gomez was named ambassador to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.
In May 2012, Selena Gomez's first fragrance was released in collaboration with Adrenalina.
In 2012, Selena Gomez starred in the controversial film Spring Breakers, directed by Harmony Korine.
In 2012, Wizards of Waverly Place officially ended its run on the Disney Channel after four seasons.
In April 2013, Selena Gomez released "Come & Get It", the lead single from her debut solo album. The song marked her first top-ten entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, reaching number six.
In August 2013, Selena Gomez embarked on her Stars Dance Tour, performing in North America and Europe.
In December 2013, Selena Gomez canceled the Australian and Asian legs of her Stars Dance Tour, announcing a hiatus to spend time with her family.
From 2013 to 2015, Selena Gomez was a spokesperson and partner for Neo by Adidas.
In 2013, Selena Gomez appeared in Girl Rising and The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex.
In 2013, Selena Gomez conducted and organized a charity concert for UNICEF.
In 2013, Selena Gomez released her debut solo album, Stars Dance, which topped the Billboard 200 chart.
In 2013, Selena Gomez released her second fragrance, Vivamore, and created her own collection of nail polish colors for Nicole by OPI.
In 2013, Selena Gomez starred alongside Ethan Hawke in the action thriller film Getaway, which was a critical and commercial failure.
In April 2014, Selena Gomez fired her mother and stepfather as her managers and signed with WMA and Brillstein companies.
In December 2014, Selena Gomez officially parted ways with Hollywood Records and signed with Interscope Records.
From 2010 to 2014, Selena Gomez collaborated with retailer Kmart to release her Dream Out Loud clothing line.
In February 2015, Selena Gomez collaborated with German DJ Zedd on "I Want You to Know", which debuted at number-seventeen in the U.S.
In October 2015, Selena Gomez released her second studio album, Revival. The album debuted at number-one on the U.S. Billboard 200.
In 2015, Selena Gomez made a cameo appearance in Adam McKay's film 'The Big Short'.
In 2015, Selena Gomez released her second solo album, Revival, supported by the top-ten singles.
In 2015, Selena Gomez signed a $3 million endorsement deal with Pantene.
In January 2016, the comedy-drama 'The Fundamentals of Caring,' starring Selena Gomez, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
In May 2016, Selena Gomez embarked on her worldwide Revival Tour, aiming for a focus on her artistry with less choreography.
In June 2016, Selena Gomez joined numerous celebrities to write a "love letter" during pride month as part of Billboard's 30 Days of Pride. She also collaborated with 23 other artists for the charity single "Hands", a tribute for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, to raise funds for Equality Florida's Pulse Victims Fund, GLAAD, and the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida.
In August 2016, Selena Gomez canceled the European and South American legs of her Revival Tour due to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression caused by her lupus.
In 2016, Selena Gomez appeared in The Fundamentals of Caring and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising.
In 2016, Selena Gomez appeared in a fashion campaign for Louis Vuitton and in ads for Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign.
In 2016, Selena Gomez starred in the film The Fundamentals of Caring.
In 2016, Selena Gomez was featured on Charlie Puth's single, "We Don't Talk Anymore".
In 2016, Selena Gomez's music video for "We Don't Talk Anymore" became the most-viewed music video published on YouTube.
In 2016, the music video for "We Don't Talk Anymore" with Charlie Puth became the most-viewed music video published on YouTube.
In February 2017, Selena Gomez and Kygo released their collaboration single, "It Ain't Me", achieving top-ten status on global music charts.
In March 2017, the series adaptation of 'Thirteen Reasons Why', executive produced by Selena Gomez, premiered on Netflix.
As of May 2017, Selena Gomez had sold 24.3 million songs in the United States.
In May 2017, Selena Gomez released the single "Bad Liar", which received acclaim from music critics.
In October 2017, Selena Gomez and Marshmello released the single "Wolves", a commercial success.
From 2017-2020, Selena Gomez executive produced the television series 13 Reasons Why.
In 2017, Selena Gomez collaborated with Coach, becoming the face of the brand and releasing the "Selena Grace" line. She also signed a $30 million contract with Puma as brand ambassador.
In 2017, Time honored Selena Gomez as one of the "women who are changing the world" on its First Women Leaders list.
In 2017, during her partnership with Coach, Selena Gomez participated in activities with Step Up, an organization that supports girls in under-resourced communities.
In 2017, the North Carolina "bathroom law", which Selena Gomez had donated proceeds from her Revival Tour concert to fight, was repealed.
'13 Reasons Why' was the most-watched original streaming series of 2018.
In January 2019, Selena Gomez was featured on Julia Michaels's single "Anxiety", showcasing her continued presence in the music scene through collaborations with other artists.
On October 1, 2019, Selena Gomez penned an op-ed for Time, detailing her involvement as an executive producer in the Netflix docuseries Living Undocumented and her connection to the project.
In October 2019, Selena Gomez served as an executive producer for the Netflix docuseries 'Living Undocumented', which follows eight undocumented families in America, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
In 2019, Selena Gomez appeared in The Dead Don't Die and A Rainy Day in New York.
In 2019, Selena Gomez received the McLean Award for her mental health advocacy.
On January 10, 2020, Selena Gomez released her album 'Rare,' which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, becoming her third consecutive number-one album in the US.
In January 2020, Selena Gomez voiced a giraffe in the adventure film Dolittle. The film received negative reviews and was a box office disappointment.
In April 2020, Selena Gomez became an owner and investor of the ice cream brand Serendipity.
In April 2020, Selena Gomez released the single "Boyfriend" with the deluxe edition of her album Rare. This marked the fourth and final single from the album.
In June 2020, Selena Gomez was featured in a remix of Trevor Daniel's song, "Past Life". This collaboration broadened her musical collaborations.
The series '13 Reasons Why', for which Selena Gomez served as executive producer, ended after four seasons in June 2020.
In September 2020, Selena Gomez executive produced the romantic comedy The Broken Hearts Gallery, which received positive reviews.
In September 2020, Selena Gomez launched her own makeup and cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which promotes inclusivity and mental health initiatives.
In 2020, Selena Gomez created the Rare Impact Fund by Rare Beauty to help young people gain access to mental health resources.
In 2020, Selena Gomez founded the cosmetic company Rare Beauty and non-profit Rare Impact Fund.
In 2020, Selena Gomez released her third solo album, Rare, which featured her first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single.
In March 2021, Selena Gomez released her first Spanish-language project, an EP titled Revelación. The EP debuted at number twenty-two in the US, marking the largest sales week for a Latin album by a woman since 2017.
In May 2021, Selena Gomez participated in the VAX Live: The Concert to Reunite the World concert, organized by Global Citizen to promote the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.
In June 2021, Selena Gomez signed a UNICEF open letter urging the G7 to donate more coronavirus vaccines to the international COVAX initiative.
In July 2021, Selena Gomez released a swimwear line with La'Mariette.
In August 2021, Only Murders in the Building, starring and executive produced by Selena Gomez, premiered on Hulu and set a record as the most-watched comedy premiere on the platform. It was a significant moment in her acting career.
In 2021, Selena Gomez began playing a lead role in Only Murders in the Building.
In 2021, Selena Gomez began starring in Only Murders in the Building.
In 2021, Selena Gomez released the Spanish EP Revelación, which earned her nominations at the Grammys and Latin Grammy Awards.
In May 2022, MTV partnered with Selena Gomez and the Rare Impact Fund by Rare Beauty to host the Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House, in coordination with the Biden-Harris Administration.
In May 2022, Selena Gomez collaborated with Our Place on a cookware line, the Summer Collection.
In May 2022, Serendipity Brands donated $1 from every ice cream pint and product sold to the Rare Impact Fund.
In June 2022, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Selena Gomez expressed her unhappiness and urged men to speak out against the issue, highlighting the pain experienced by women.
In September 2022, the four-season run of Selena + Chef concluded. The show received positive reviews and awards nominations.
In November 2022, Selena Gomez's documentary film, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, premiered at AFI Fest and was released on Apple TV+. The film was praised for its transparency about mental health.
In December 2022, Selena Gomez donated exclusive items to the 2nd Annual ASCAP Foundation, which supports music education and talent development programs across the US.
As of 2022, Selena Gomez has amassed 45 billion streams globally, solidifying her position as one of the most-streamed artists of all time.
In 2022 alone, Rare Beauty sold US$70 million worth of liquid blush, equivalent to over 3.1 million units.
In 2022, Selena Gomez was honored with the Mental Health Innovations Award for Excellence in Mental Health Advocacy by the Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab and the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion by the Ruderman Family Foundation.
In March 2023, Selena Gomez appeared in the second-season finale of the Apple TV+ documentary television series Dear....
In May 2023, Food Network ordered two projects to be hosted by Selena Gomez: Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays and Selena + Restaurant. These projects expanded her presence in the culinary entertainment space.
In June 2023, Selena Gomez and Our Place released a second edition of their cookware range.
As of August 2023, Selena Gomez had sold 3.6 million albums in the United States.
In honor of World Mental Health Day, on October 10, 2023, Sephora donated all proceeds of the sales of Rare Beauty products to the non-profit.
In December 2023, Selena Gomez attended Ramy Youssef's fundraiser for Gaza.
In 2023, Rare Beauty emerged as the top index brand on TikTok and Instagram, with a combined media impact value of US$313,198,657. The estimated revenue for the line reached US$300 million, up approximately 50 percent from 2022.
In 2023, Selena Gomez and her cosmetics brand Rare Beauty participated in the 53rd annual Los Angeles Pride Parade. Her Rare Impact Fund also continued donating funds to organizations like The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline.
In January 2024, Selena Gomez expressed a preference for acting over music, stating she envisions having only one more album. She clarified that she never intended to be a full-time singer, but her "hobby" evolved into a career during her time with Disney.
In April 2024, Selena Gomez participated as a speaker at the Time 100 Summit, discussing important issues related to mental health protection and social media.
On May 1, 2024, Selena Gomez held a special event, the Rare Beauty Summit, dedicated to mental health awareness. The U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy joined her at this event, acknowledging her contributions through the Rare Impact Fund.
As of May 2024, the brand is valued at $2 billion.
In May 2024, Selena + Restaurant, an interactive cooking series co-hosted by Selena Gomez and Raquelle Stevens, premiered, further establishing Gomez's role in the culinary entertainment industry.
As of August 2024, Only Murders in the Building is the most-watched original comedy series on Hulu. The series has received critical acclaim throughout its four-season run and has won numerous accolades.
As of September 2024, the Rare Impact Fund has raised over $16 million since 2020, and distributed grants to support 26 mental health-focused organizations across five continents.
In September 2024, it was reported that Selena Gomez had become a billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion. Bloomberg News estimated that roughly 81% of it originated from Rare Beauty.
On October 29, 2024, Selena Gomez reprised her role as Alex Russo in the pilot of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a spin-off and sequel to Wizards of Waverly Place. She also served as an executive producer for the series, which premiered on Disney Channel and Disney+. Her performance received positive reception.
In 2024, Rare Beauty was named as Time's most influential company.
In 2024, Selena Gomez is expected to appear in Emilia Pérez and Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
On February 13, 2025, Selena Gomez released a promotional single titled "Scared of Loving You" in anticipation of her upcoming album.
On March 21, 2025, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are scheduled to release their collaborative album, titled I Said I Love You First, marking her fourth studio album.
In 2025, Selena Gomez released her fourth studio album I Said I Love You First, a collaborative project with Benny Blanco.