How Selena Gomez Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Selena Gomez across different fields.

Selena Gomez is an American actress, singer, songwriter, businesswoman, and producer. She started her career as a child actress on Barney & Friends and gained prominence as Alex Russo in Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums between 2009 and 2011.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

2005: Desire for a purity ring at age 13

In 2005, at the age of 13, Selena Gomez wanted a purity ring, and her father had it blessed at the church, symbolizing her commitment to her faith and values.

2010: Stopped wearing purity ring

In 2010, Selena Gomez stopped wearing the purity ring she had received earlier in life, marking a change in her personal journey and beliefs.

2011: Citing Shia LaBeouf's career transition as a model

In a 2011 interview, Selena Gomez cited Shia LaBeouf's career transition from Disney Channel star to film actor in adulthood as a model she hoped to emulate.

June 2017: Expressed discomfort with the term "religion"

In June 2017, Selena Gomez expressed discomfort with the term "religion", stating that "It freaks me out" and emphasizing her belief in faith and a personal relationship with God.

2018: Episode of psychosis

In November 2022, Selena Gomez revealed that she had experienced an episode of psychosis in 2018, further sharing her experiences with mental health challenges.

April 2020: Revealed diagnosis of bipolar disorder

In April 2020, Selena Gomez publicly revealed that she has bipolar disorder, opening up about her mental health struggles.

2020: Included on Time's 100 Most Influential People list

In 2020, Time included Selena Gomez on its annual list of the 100 most influential people, recognizing her widespread impact and influence.

2021: Maintained Christian faith and read The Purpose Driven Life

In 2021, Selena Gomez remarked that she maintained her Christian faith and had read The Purpose Driven Life by Baptist pastor Rick Warren three times, showing her continued spiritual journey.

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

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November 2022: Revealed episode of psychosis in 2018

In November 2022, Selena Gomez revealed that she had experienced an episode of psychosis in 2018, further sharing her experiences with mental health challenges.

September 2024: Revealed inability to have children naturally and consideration of surrogacy or adoption

In September 2024, Selena Gomez revealed her inability to have children naturally due to her health issues and expressed her desire to explore either surrogacy or adoption in the future, sharing her personal journey regarding family planning.

2024: Accepting Spotlight Award and discussing acting preferences

In 2024, Selena Gomez accepted the Spotlight Award at the IndieWire honors, expressing her preference for working with auteur filmmakers and taking on unconventional supporting roles.