Selena Gomez first made a name for herself in early 2007 by playing Alex Russo, a young wizard, in the Disney Channel series "Wizards of Waverly Place." The show premiered to an audience of 5.9 million, becoming an overnight sensation. Selena displayed her many talents though the series by even recording four songs for the "Wizards of Waverly Place" soundtrack.
Gomez was on her way to conquering the teen scene. She was dubbed the "the next Miley Cyrus," and when asked about the comparison, Gomez answered with composure and purpose, unseen in most 15-year olds.
"It's a little overwhelming, but I think really, it's a compliment," Gomez told E! news. "She's obviously extremely successful, and I think she's a wonderful performer ... So being compared to her, I was very, very flattered."
In July 2008, before her sixteenth birthday, she signed a recording deal with Hollywood Records, a music label owned by Disney. Then in 2009, Selena Gomez & the Scene was formed. Kiss & Tell, the band's debut studio album was released Sept.29, 2009 by Hollywood Records.
Gomez was now a powerhouse on Disney Channel. Gomez appeared alongside her close personal friend, Demi Lovato in the Disney Channel movie, "Princess Protection Program." On Aug. 28, 2009, two months after appearing in "Princess Protection Program," Gomez starred in "Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie," a made-for-television film based on the show.
But success did not stop there, in 2010, Selena Gomez & the Scene released their second studio album, "A Year Without Rain." The record debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 4, gaining commercial success and positive critical praise.
In 2011, "Wizards of Waverly Place" wrapped after four successful seasons and Selena Gomez & the Scene released their third studio album, "When the Sun Goes Down." After garnering some criticism for missing an appearance, Gomez addressed the issue head on, "I'm human, I'm not perfect. I make mistakes all the time, but I guess my job is to keep those mistakes to myself, which I'm already fine doing and just try to be the best I can be for those kids."
During the year, her personal life started to transform as well. On Feb. 27, 2011, Gomez attended the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar party with fellow teen superstar, Justin Bieber, confirming several months of media speculation about a romantic relationship between the pair. The two became a power couple and the media's favorite topic.
In early November 2012, it was widely reported that the couple had ended their relationship after approximately two years together. After a couple months of back-and-forth accusations and reconciliations, it was announced that Gomez and Bieber had spilt for good in January 2013.
Gomez then stated that she would put her successful music career on hold and focus on her acting career.
"My band and I are going our separate ways for a while. This year is all about films and acting and I want my band to play music wherever with whoever. We will be back, but it will be a good while."
Since August 2012, Gomez has been cast in a number of films. She first appeared in "Hotel Transylvania," an animated film, voicing the character of Mavis, alongside Adam Sandler and Steve Buscemi. The film was released on Sept. 21, 2012. Gomez will appear in the Harmony Korine film "Spring Breakers" alongside James Franco, Ashley Benson, Vanessa Hudgens and Rachel Korine which will be release on March 15 in N.Y. and L.A.
It seems as though the career possibilities are proving endless for Gomez, who has been a hot topic in the media as of late. She has handled it all with grace and poise. See more of her in Harper's Bazaar latest issue where she discusses her style, dating, love and of course Justin Bieber. To read the full article click here.
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