October 2023 marked Selena Gomez as the first female artist to have a song spend 50 weeks on the Billboard Pop Airplay chart for her song “Calm Down.” Born on July 22, 1992, Selena Gomez has been a household name for years. Yet, there’s so much more to her story than her chart-topping hits and blockbuster roles. Think you know everything about her? Think again.
Comprising her early days in showbiz, her growth as an artist, and the BTS caps she’s worn over the years, this guide unearths some gems that might surprise even her biggest fans. And if you’re impressed by her ties to the pop culture landscape, wait until you find out she was named after the iconic Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Intrigued? Stick around as we unravel eight more lesser-known facts about her.
1. Selena Gomez Runs Her Own Social Media Accounts
In the age of celebrity PR teams and marketing agencies, many A-listers have delegated the management of their online presence. Not Selena Gomez though. There have been a lot of on-and-off phases of her being on social media herself. At one point, she had to delete Instagram from her phone because she mentioned that she had become addicted.
However, the model, actress, and “Calm Down” singer has to maintain a connection with fans somehow. “I love the connection I have with my fans because it’s authentic,” she once remarked. It’s no wonder she’s one of the most followed personalities on Instagram, surpassing even the renowned Kardashian sisters. Gomez’s each Instagram post is valued at millions — particularly because she has 430M+ followers on the platform.
2. Her Favorite Part of Pizza is the Crust
When it comes to pizza, everyone has their favorite part. For some, it’s the gooey cheese, and for others, the rich toppings. But for Selena, it’s all about the crust. While this choice might raise eyebrows among traditional pizza lovers, it’s likely because she’s after the true Italian thing — the Naples-style Pizza which is supposed to have a nice crispy crust with very little toppings. It’s not just a quirky food preference; it hints at her tendency to value the often-overlooked parts of things.
3. Selena Gomez Has Seven Tattoos
Tattoos often tell stories, memories, beliefs, or milestones. Selena Gomez’s ink is no exception. Out of her seven tattoos, each one holds a special meaning. Gomez’s first tattoo was a tiny musical note on her wrist that she got back in 2012. She has the Roman numeral “LXXVI” on the back of her neck. Gomez even has a semi-colon tattoo on her wrist. These subtle tattoos have been spotted over the years and they’re beautiful statement makers. Other tattoos include a sunflower, a matching tattoo with her friend, a cross, and some temporary tattoos over the years.
4. She Turned Down a Role in High School Musical 3
Gomez has always been someone who prioritizes doing what she loves over stardom. So in a surprising move over a decade ago, she turned down a coveted role in the wildly popular High School Musical 3. While many might have jumped at the chance to be a part of this teen sensation, Gomez had her eyes set on pursuing more “serious roles” and diversifying her acting portfolio.
5. Selena Gomez Grew Up in a Rough Neighborhood in LA
Unlike what some may assume, Gomez grew up in a challenging neighborhood in Los Angeles, where safety was a constant concern. The struggles of her early life weren’t just confined to her, as she recalls, “I think there’s a lot of stuff my mom doesn’t tell me out of the kindness of her heart.” This backdrop offers a profound perspective on her resilience from a young age. When a lady is confined to struggles in her childhood, she normally and naturally thrives out of it — Gomez is a prime example.
6. Selena Gomez Once Appeared on the TV Show Barney and Friends
Before the spotlights and the sold-out concerts, a young Selena Gomez was capturing hearts on the children’s TV show Barney & Friends. Remember that purple stuffed dinosaur? Yes, she showed up on that show. At just seven, she graced the screen alongside another future superstar, Demi Lovato.
7. Her First Kiss Was With Dylan Sprouse
Selena Gomez’s first on-screen kiss is one for the television archives. It happened with none other than Dylan Sprouse during a guest appearance on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Interestingly, he and his twin brother, Cole Sprouse, once shared the role of Ben (Ross’s son) on FRIENDS — around the same time when Gomez was starting to show up on our favorite childhood TV shows. The kiss is even more meaningful and memorable because it was Gomez’s first kiss not just on screen but in real life. What’s more, you’d be surprised to learn that Gomez actually had a crush on Cole Sprouse at the time.
8. Selena Gomez Was an Executive Producer for 13 Reasons Why on Netflix
Gomez isn’t just a star in front of the camera and a mic — she has made significant strides behind the scenes as well. She served as an executive producer for the Netflix phenomenon 13 Reasons Why. The series, which became a global sensation, starred actors like Katherine Langford, Dylan Minnette, and Alisha Boe. Created by Brian Yorkey and based on Jay Asher‘s 2007 novel, the show tackled hard-hitting issues faced by teenagers, resonating deeply with audiences.
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