Selena Gomez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Selena Gomez. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Selena Gomez is an American actress, singer, and businesswoman. She started her career as a child actress in Barney & Friends (2002-2004) and gained prominence as a teen idol for her role as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012). In 2008, she signed with Hollywood Records and formed the band Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums: Kiss & Tell (2009), A Year Without Rain (2010), and When the Sun Goes Down (2011).

Sections (6)

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

August 2009: Named youngest UNICEF ambassador

In August 2009, Selena Gomez, at 17, became the youngest UNICEF ambassador at the time. This ambassadorship marked a significant step in her humanitarian work.

2010: Billboard's 21 Under 21 List

In 2010, Billboard featured Selena Gomez on their 21 Under 21 list.

2011: Billboard's 21 Under 21 List

In 2011, Billboard featured Selena Gomez on their 21 Under 21 list.

April 2012: Named ambassador to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation

In April 2012, Selena Gomez was named ambassador to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. The year before, she made an appearance at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia during a Ryan Seacrest Foundation broadcast.

2012: Billboard's 21 Under 21 List

In 2012, Billboard featured Selena Gomez on their 21 Under 21 list.

March 2016: Most-Followed Person on Instagram

From March 2016, Selena Gomez was the most-followed person on Instagram.

2016: Forbes 30 Under 30

In 2016, Selena Gomez appeared in Forbes 30 Under 30.

2016: American Music Awards Win and iHeartRadio Music Awards win

In 2016, Selena Gomez made her first public appearance since entering rehab at the 2016 American Music Awards, where she won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist. At the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Gomez won Biggest Triple Threat.

September 2017: Kidney Transplant Revelation

In September 2017, Selena Gomez revealed on Instagram that she had received a kidney transplant from actress and friend Francia Raisa due to complications from lupus, and that she needed emergency surgery during the transplant.

2017: Billboard's Woman of the Year

In 2017, Selena Gomez was named Billboard's Woman of the Year.

October 2018: End of Reign as Most-Followed Person on Instagram

In October 2018, Selena Gomez's time as the most-followed person on Instagram came to an end.

November 2018: Spotify's Most-Streamed Artist

In November 2018, Selena Gomez became Spotify's most-streamed artist, surpassing Drake with 46 million monthly listeners, despite not releasing a new album since 2015.

2018: Nomination for Top Dance/Electronic Song at Billboard Music Awards

In 2018, "It Ain't Me" received nominations at major awards around the world, including Top Dance/Electronic Song at the Billboard Music Awards

2019: "Bad Liar" Ranked Among Best Songs of the 2010s

In 2019, Rolling Stone ranked "Bad Liar" at number 39 on its list of the best songs of the 2010s.

2019: McLean Award for Mental Health Advocacy

In 2019, Selena Gomez received the McLean Award for her advocacy in mental health awareness.

2020: Named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 All-Star Alumni

In 2020, Selena Gomez was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in its "All-Star Alumni" category.

2021: Vulture Ranks Gomez as a Likable Star

In 2021, Vulture ranked Selena Gomez third on its "Disney and Nickelodeon Stars Gone Pop" list, stating that "Gomez is perhaps the most effortlessly likable star of her generation".

2022: Billboard Ranks "Love You Like a Love Song"

In 2022, Billboard ranked "Love You like a Love Song" by Selena Gomez & the Scene as the biggest song that peaked at number twenty-two.

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2022: Rare Beauty Liquid Blush Sales

In 2022, Rare Beauty sold US$70 million worth of liquid blush, which is over 3.1 million units.

2022: Awards for Mental Health Advocacy

In 2022, Selena Gomez was honored with the Mental Health Innovations Award for Excellence in Mental Health Advocacy by the Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab. She also received the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion by the Ruderman Family Foundation in 2022.

July 2023: Highest Paid Person on Instagram

As of July 2023, Selena Gomez earns $1.7 million per sponsored Instagram post.

2023: "Send It On" song listed in The 100 Greatest Disneyverse Songs of All Time

In 2023, Billboard included the charity single "Send It On" by Disney's Friends For Change, featuring Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers, in their list of The 100 Greatest Disneyverse Songs of All Time.

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2023: Rare Beauty's Impact on TikTok and Instagram

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 on the two platforms alone. The estimated revenue for the line reached US$300 million in 2023.

2023: "Calm Down" success

In 2023, Selena Gomez was featured on the remix of Rema's "Calm Down", which became an international success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Global 200 and achieving numerous records on various charts.

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May 2024: Rare Beauty Valuation at $2 Billion

As of May 2024, Selena Gomez's brand Rare Beauty is valued at $2 billion.

September 2024: Most-Followed Woman on Social Media

As of September 2024, Selena Gomez is the most-followed woman globally on social media, with over 690 million followers across various platforms.

September 2024: Selena Gomez Becomes a Billionaire

In September 2024, it was reported that Selena Gomez had become a billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, largely attributed to Rare Beauty.