It doesn’t matter how much natural talent a musician has, he or she is still human. That means that all the problems that may come along with life, will be part of the musicians overall experience. Good times and bad, sickness and health, wealth and poverty all may find their way into anyone’s life. Even the talented, popular music maker. Our featured artist this week has certainly experienced rough times in recent years, but now may be turning it around. This week we are featuring actress, singer, fashion designer Selena Gomez.
Selena Marie Gomez was born in Grand Prairie, Texas on July 22, 1992, and was named after Tejano singer and actress Selena Quintanilla-PĂ©rez, who died in 1995. When Gomez was born, her mother was sixteen years old. The family had financial troubles during Gomez’s childhood, with her mother struggling to provide for the pair. At one point, Gomez recalled the pair had to search for quarters just to get gas for their car. Her mother later recalled the two would often walk to their local dollar store to buy spaghetti for dinner, though got by. Gomez stated, “I was frustrated that my parents weren’t together, and never saw the light at the end of the tunnel where my mom was working hard to provide a better life for me. I’m terrified of what I would have become if I’d stayed [in Texas].” She later added that “[My mom] was really strong around me. Having me at 16 had to have been a big responsibility. She gave up everything for me, had three jobs, supported me sacrificed her life for me.”
Selena Gomez did not break into the music industry until a little later in her childhood. Her first experience in entertainment came by way of the stage and television. She began auditioning for various roles, meeting Demi Lovato during an audition for children’s TV show Barney and Friends. Both girls were later selected to appear on the series in 2002, with Gomez portraying the character of Gianna. With experience now under her belt, Gomez auditioned for roles under the Disney Channel company. After much success with Disney throughout her early teen years, Selena Gomez at 16 years of age, was signed to a recording contract with the Hollywood Records label.
Hoping to make a successful crossover into music, Gomez formed the pop-rock band Selena Gomez & the Scene through her record deal with Hollywood Records. The group released their dĂ©but studio album in August 2009, which debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the United States. The album received a mixed reception, some critics praised the album for its “fun” nature, while others criticized Gomez for her vocal performance. Regardless, Kiss & Tell would mark the beginning of a successful career in music for Gomez.
Gomez confirmed in January 2012 that she would be taking a break from her music career, thus placing Selena Gomez & the Scene on an ongoing hiatus. She later confirmed that she would be releasing her solo dĂ©but album, as opposed to another album with her band. Stars Dance was released on July 23, 2013. It became her first album to dĂ©but at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. Gomez released her second studio album, Revival, on October 9, 2015. The album was met with a positive reaction from critics, who praised the album’s production and lyrical content. The album reflects her journey since 2013, including the media scrutiny on her personal life. As executive producers, Gomez, Danny D, and Tim Blacksmith collaborated with producers including Hit-Boy, Rock Mafia, and Stargate to achieve her desired new sound.
Yes, there has been a lot of activity in Selena Gomez’ personal life for sure. After touring in North America and Europe, the tour was set to continue throughout 2014, though Gomez cancelled the Australian and Asian leg of the tour in December 2013, claiming that she would be taking a hiatus to spend time with her family. In January 2014, it was reported that Gomez had spent two weeks at Dawn at The Meadows, which is a treatment center in Wickenburg, Arizona that specializes in treating addiction and trauma in young people. Her representative stated that she had spent time there “voluntarily […] but not for substance abuse.” During this time, Gomez fired her parents as her managers and signed with the WME and Brillstein companies.  She also signed a new recording contract with Interscope Records.
More than just a few in the music industry have suffered through addiction problems, therefore it would not seem out of the ordinary to hear of one more. However, there is more to this story. As usual, it’s important that we take the rumors at face value, until a definitive statement is made.
Earlier this year, the young star revealed she was diagnosed with Lupus. In an exclusive statement to People Magazine, Selena Gomez said, “I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.” “I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off. Thank you to all my fans for your support. You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head on to make sure I am doing everything possible to be my best. I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues.”
Last week songwriter Justin Tranter shared a picture of Gomez applying makeup in what looks like a music studio, prompting speculation that Gomez could be working on some new projects following her lengthy break and a stay at rehab. “Music and love,” he captioned the Instagram photo.
I’m sure Selena Gomez loves music, and she will no doubt return very soon to making music. The love could be that which her fans and friends feel for her. Several are very happy to see her on the comeback trail. I’m happy for her too.