Selena Gomez biography

Selena Gomez was born July 22, 1992 to a Mexican American father and half Italian mother. Named after the popular singer Selena, she was raised alone by her mother in Grand Prairie, Texas when her parents divorced. Mandy later remarried when Selena was 14.

Selena grew up watching her mother prepare for performances. When she was 7, she got a role in "Barney and Friends" and later in "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over". Her talent was discovered by Disney Channel through a nationwide search. Her first stint on the channel was as a guest star on "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" and "Hannah Montana". Blessed with potential, Selena was given her own show as one of the three kid wizards on "Wizards of Waverly Place".

Beside chasing her career in television, Selena also scored minor roles in "Another Cinderella Story" and "Horton Hears a Who!". Her career in Disney got the boost as fellow teen Demi Lovato also gained popularity. Together, the best friends starred in a TV movie called "Princess Protection Program". Due to the success of her TV series, Disney ordered the production of "Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie".

Since then, Selena enjoyed the title of Disney darling. Known for acting, Selena also thrives on singing. She recorded for a DisneyMania album and "Another Cinderella Story" soundtrack. Hollywood Records then presented her with recording contract in 2008. She struck a close friendship with the members of Forever the Sickest Kids and made a collaboration in the song "Whoa Oh!".

Selena then formed a music band and called them The Scene. The first album "Kiss & Tell" was released in September 2009 with the first single "Naturally". Album peaked at number 9 on Hot 200 and was certified Platinum by RIAA.

Meanwhile, Selena's first major breakout into the movie world was as one of the titular characters in "Ramona and Beezus". Movie offers kept rolling since then, including "Monte Carlo" and "13 Reasons Why". At the same time, Selena announced her last year on "Wizards".

Selena is also known for her philanthropic works such as being the ambassador for UNICEF. She had done numerous efforts to provide clean water for Ghana and encouraged children to be environmentally-friendly through Disney's Friends for Change.

Business-wise, Selena has developed a production house called July Moon Productions and launched a clothing line called Dream Out Loud. Since she is a green advocate,the line features recycled or eco-friendly materials.

Selena Gomez and the Scene began recording their second studio album in 2009. "A Year Without Rain" was eventually released in September 2010 and did even better on Hot 200 compared to the predecessor.

Sel's personal life was put on the spotlight right when her fame became too big. She was first rumored dating fellow Disney star Nick Jonas before distance separated them. But her biggest high-profiled relationship to date was with Justin Bieber. They went on some public appearances together when both careers are at peaks.

In early 2011, Selena began promoting her third studio album with the release of "Who Says". Speaking of the first single, she said, "I think this song is such a great message for my fans, and it really touched me when I heard it, and I thought it would be perfect for them." The album titled "When the Sun Goes Down" hit the shelves on June 28, 2011 and was followed by a world tour.

In 2013, Selena took part in R-rated movie "Spring Breakers" in addition to readying her fourth album. The record titled "Stars Dance" became her first as a solo artist. After putting out the album, which peaked at No. 1 on Billboard 200, she shifted her focus back on acting. She appeared in "Getaway", "mBehaving and "Rudderless" among others before announcing her first greatest hits album titled "For You" in late 2014.

The album, set for November 24, will be Sel's last project with Hollywood records. Not only will the set feature her biggest hits, but it also includes two original songs titled "The Heart wants What It Wants" and "Do It". She has confirmed that the former song is about her on-again, off-again BF Bieber.