From Disney darling to global pop icon, Selena Gomez has proved there’s nothing she can’t do. Since her early TV debut in 2002, she’s seamlessly evolved from child actress to chart-topping singer, producer, and bona fide fashion muse.
But behind the glamour, her story begins with humble roots and remarkable resilience — a young girl raised by a single mother who believed fiercely in her daughter’s dreams.
At the High School Musical 2 world premiere at Disneyland in August 2007, a teenage Selena Gomez embraced playful early-2000s style in a pink “Let Rock ’n’ Roll” tank, skinny jeans, and teal peep-toe pumps — a look that hinted at the confident fashion evolution to come (Credit: Nikki Nelson/ WENN)
Born and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas, Selena Gomez began performing early, landing her first TV role on Barney & Friends, which filmed near her hometown.
Her parents, Ricardo “Rick” Gomez and Amanda “Mandy” Cornett, were still teenagers when she was born in 1992 — her mother was just sixteen and already pursuing a career in theater, which sparked Selena’s own love of performing.
After her parents divorced when she was five, Selena was raised primarily by her mother, who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Selena remained close to her father and his new family, maintaining strong ties with both sides as her career began to rise.
Selena Gomez and her mother, Amanda Dawn “Mandy” Cornett, at the grand opening of the Carlin Collection launch held at the Carlin Atelier boutique in Los Angeles on October 17, 2008 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)
Mandy once recalled walking with young Selena to a local discount store to buy just a few ingredients for dinner. At one point, she juggled three jobs while Selena’s grandparents helped care for her.
Reflecting on that time, Selena has admitted she sometimes blamed her mother for the family’s struggles, later telling E! Entertainment that she “wanted a family so bad.” Over the years, though, she’s come to see that they “grew up together” — a bond that shaped both her strength and her grounded approach to fame.
Years later, as Selena’s career began to flourish, she was often spotted out with her mom, Mandy — a reminder of how close their bond remained despite the challenges they faced early on. Even during casual outings, Selena’s off-duty looks reflected her natural sense of style and growing fashion confidence.
Selena Gomez keeps it effortlessly chic while holding hands with her mom, Mandy Teefey, in a cozy black cardigan, bold red knit scarf, skinny jeans, and gray suede slouch boots — a laid-back yet polished street-style moment that captures her understated early-2010s aesthetic (Credit: Will Alexander / WENN)
Over the years, Selena has spoken candidly about the tension and understanding that shaped her relationship with her mother. Mandy once recalled moments when Selena would “vent and yell,” but said she always responded with patience, knowing her daughter would understand one day.
As Selena matured, she also reconnected deeply with her father, Ricardo, bonding over San Antonio Spurs games and simple father-daughter traditions. Their close relationship has continued into adulthood — in 2016, he marked her birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, calling her “a sweet little girl who changed my world forever.”
Selena Gomez is close to her father Ricardo Joel Gomez (Credit: Ricardo Joel Gomez’s Instagram)
Even as a child, Selena charmed everyone around her — waitstaff would often stop by just to gush over her signature pigtails. Looking back, she’s joked that her dad might have used those moments as a way to strike up conversations with the servers.
Ricardo remarried Sara Gomez (née Tovar) in 2012, welcoming stepson Marcus and, two years later, daughter Victoria. As an only child for much of her life, Selena quickly bonded with her new siblings and remains a loving role model for her younger sister, “Tori.”
Today, her father often shares glimpses of their family life on Instagram — vacations, birthdays, and everyday moments that highlight his pride in all three of his children.
Selena has also spoken openly about her Mexican heritage. Her grandparents immigrated to the United States from Monterrey, Mexico, and she’s often praised their courage for starting over so their family could have a better life. Honoring that legacy, Selena has embraced projects that celebrate her culture — including reconnecting with her Spanish roots. Though she was fluent as a child, she’s since worked to reclaim the language through music and storytelling.
American actress and singer Selena Gomez makes an appearance on the Spanish TV show El Hormiguero in Madrid, Spain, on April 13, 2010 (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)
Selena released her first Spanish-language album Revelación in 2021, reaching the coveted number one spot on Billboard’s U.S. Top Latin Albums chart.
The album is important to Selena, especially, as she’s seen her Mexican heritage as both a blessing and a curse. She recalls being swept away by her father when a fan hurled an ethnic slur towards him while they were at a concert.
“My dad grabbed me and just walked away. …I hate that my dad feels so depleted by this,” she said. Between her experience in an industry sometimes lacking in diversity and the glimmers of racism she’s witnessed in her own life, Selena has turned the tables by churning out a powerful album.
In the same way that her namesake, Selena Quintanilla, celebrated both her American-ness and Mexican-ness, Gomez is also embracing her mixed heritage.
Selena Gomez’s Mother Remarries
Amanda Cornett remarried in 2006. Her new husband, Brian Teefey, went on to manage Selena Gomez professionally. Although Selena and the Teefeys parted ways in 2014, both Mandy and Brian Teefy started LH7 Management and still represent other artists.
The Teefeys had a daughter, Gracie Elliot Teefey, on June 12, 2013. Mandy has appeared in several news and documentary pieces as Selena’s mother but also has production credits on both movies and documentary-style pieces.
Selena has become close with her mother’s side of the family as well, despite the drama surrounding her former relationship with Justin Bieber. They have since moved forward and are regularly seen spending time together.
Selena Gomez with her stepdad Brian James Teefey at LAX on July 10, 2013 (Credit: STS / WENN)
Over the years, Selena has experienced questionable press due to her romantic relationships, especially the highly-publicized breakup with pop star Justin Bieber. Despite her vilification by the media, she has rebounded as a stronger, and “sassier” version of herself.
In recent years, Selena has credited her early success to her mother’s guidance. Selena has said that her mother “had the ability to make me feel like I was still capable of doing anything I wanted.”
She often reflects on the hard work and sacrifices her mother made so many years ago to ensure she was successful and had the opportunities to pursue her dreams of show business so early in life.
What is Selena Gomez Doing Now?
Selena Gomez seems to be one of the busiest ladies in Hollywood, Selena still enjoys time with both sides of her family and new siblings.
She’s recently been seen in Hulu’s ‘Only Murders In The Building,’ starring alongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short. Last month, it was announced that Hulu has renewed the series for another season.
Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short promoting Only Murders in the Building in NYC on September 7, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
We’re also watching for more publicity surrounding her new album, Revelación. We can’t get enough of Selena, and she keeps delivering!
Selena Gomez wears her hair back as she arrives at NRJ Radio in Paris on March 10, 2016
In March 2016, Selena Gomez was keeping busy! After a whirlwind of fashion show appearances and radio guest appearances in Paris, you’d think the girl would already be winding down after landing back in Los Angeles. Apparently not.
The pop star shared what her plans are during her guest spot on NRJ Radio in Paris. Her second solo concert tour to support her second solo studio album Revival (2015) began in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on May 6, 2016
Selena Gomez wears a Monse ensemble and a pair of dark sunglasses while out in Paris
Selena wore a two-piece outfit, which included an off-the-shoulder button-down blazer with an exposed lining paired with culottes — both from Monse.
The then 23-year-old polished her look off with a high ponytail, red lipstick, sunglasses from The Row, and a pair of Francesco Russo sandals.
Selena Gomez’s feet in white Francesco Russo sandals
You can order Selena’s Francesco Russo sandals in watersnake and leopard varieties at Farfetch, Harvey Nichols, and Net-A-Porter.
Francesco Russo Tri-tone Watersnake and Leather Sandals, $769.36
Francesco Russo Leopard-Print Calf Hair and Patent-Leather Sandals, $995
In April 2013, Selena Gomez dresses casually while arriving at a studio in Los Angeles. The actress and singer sported blue denim dungarees that left her lacy black bra exposed on the sides.
Selena Gomez wears blue denim dungarees with a lace bra and a scarf outside at a studio in Los Angeles on April 26, 2013 (Credit: Rayne-JP / JFXimages / WENN)
She completed her look with Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, a knitted scarf from Urban Outfitters, a huge studded Kelsi Dagger ‘Alexandra’ bag, and flat sandals by ZiGi Girl.
Selena Gomez shows off her feet in flat sandals by ZiGi Girl (Credit: Rayne-JP / JFXimages / WENN)
Well, what do you think of her look, hot or hot mess? Should she have at least worn a tank top with her overalls? Or was the scarf enough? Would you dare go out in a denim jumper and wear it with just a bra?
Honestly, we don’t find it that vulgar. In fact, the scarf did a pretty decent job of adding not just texture, but a little bit of drama as well. Thanks to the accessory, she managed to pull off the outfit without looking like a tramp or a total disaster. Do you agree?