INTERVIEW: Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez is one magical actress. She stars in the hit Disney Channel show 'Wizards of Waverly Place' as Alex, a stylish, sassy and hilarious teen wizard. She also plays Carter, a small town sweetheart in the Disney Channel original movie 'Princess Protection Program'. But 'Everything Is Not What It Seems' with this beautiful brunette. Read this article and get the facts on Hollywood's latest it girl!

Selena Gomez

Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Texas
Birthday: July 22nd, 1992
Height: 5 ft. 5 in.
Favorite School Subject: Science
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite Candy: Snickers and Good & Plenty
Favorite Type of Shoes: Converse (She has over 20 pairs!)

Not Just 'Another Cinderella Story'
Selena has worked hard to become the teen queen she is today. Her acting career started in 2001 when she landed the role of Gianna in 'Barney and Friends'. She stayed on the show for two seasons until, as she puts it, the producers, "felt like I was getting a little too old, so I got the boot."

It was on the set of Barney that she met her future BFF, Demi Lovato! "We met in line at Barney", says Selena. "We were auditioning at this huge event and it was all like, so hot, and it was 1400 kids and we sat right in line together, it was awesome". Selena asked Demi to color with her and the rest is history!

After 'Barney', Selena signed on to Disney. She guest starred in such hit shows as 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' as Gwen and 'Hannah Montana' as Mikayla, a rival pop star of Hannah's. "On 'Hannah Montana' everyone was so sweet, but I had to play a nasty girl. I'm not really that way - I love Miley!"

Something special happened to Selena while guest starring on 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody'- her first kiss! So which Sprouse bro was lucky enough to pucker up with Selena? Dylan! "I actually leaned in to kiss him, and I had my eyes closed a little too early and I ended up missing like half of his lip. So it ended up being the most awkward kiss in the world. But I was 12 so it was okay and it was good." Yikes!

Wizards of Waverly Place
Selena's career skyrocketed in 2007 when she was cast in the role that would change her life- Alex Russo on the Disney Channel hit, 'Wizards of Waverly Place'!

Selena describes her character Alex as "spunky, outgoing, and adventurous." According to Selena, "She's the only girl in the family so she's the one who's looking out for all you girls!"

Selena notes that she and Alex have similarities, but they also have major differences. "I don't get in as much trouble as my character, Alex, but I am sassy!"

Hitting a High Note
Did you know that Selena Gomez is a talented singer as well as an outstanding actress? Signed to Hollywood Records in 2008, her debut album is due out Fall 2009. Judging by her catchy, pop rock singles like 'Tell Me Something I Don't Know', this album will be a hit!

Despite the star power her name brings to any project, Selena says she's not interested in a solo singing career. "I'm going to be in a band - no Selena Gomez stuff. I'm not a solo artist. I basically want to make music that is fun and that parents and kids can jump around to and have a good time to." Selena says her dream is to be in a band with 4 guys! Sounds like a plan!

In May, 2009, Selena got to record a duet with one of her favorite bands, Forever The Sickest Kids! The single, 'Whoa Oh!' was a hit and had both Selena and FTSK fans across the world rocking out.

Princess Protection Program
Summer of 2009 saw even more of Selena's career dreams come true! She got to star with BFF Demi Lovato in the Disney movie 'Princess Protection Program'.

Selena and Demi had always talked about recording a song together and it finally happened with 'One and the Same', a tune off the 'Princess Protection Program'soundtrack. Both Selena and Demi loved recording their duet and had a blast filming PPP. "It's just amazing to be with my best friend the entire time because it's very rare to be able to do that!" Selena gushed about working with Demi.

"Fly To Your Heart"
A teen beauty like Selena is sure to be noticed and indeed, she has been linked to several Hollywood hotties!

Sel's most famous relationship was with Nick Jonas in the summer of 2008. Selena was first linked to the youngest Jonas when she starred in the Jonas Brothers 'Burning Up' music video as Nick's love interest. They were seen together throughout the summer but by Valentine's Day, 'Nelena' was over. A source close to Selena talked to Star Magazine about Nick, "He's a hard boy to date. He's very into his music, and any girl comes second. Selena would often miss Nick, and he just wouldn't be there. But they're still friends. They're both very mature. She won't make a weird scene about it." Aw, Poor Selena! We feel for ya, girl!

As the New Year came, so did new rumored romances! Gossip linked Selena to Forever The Sickest Kids rocker and front man Jonathon Cook and the hot rising star from 'Twilight', Taylor Lautner.

Selena was first spotted with Taylor on several dates in Vancouver, where Taylor's 'New Moon' and Selena's 'Ramona and Beezus' were both filming. They made a cute couple and seemed to genuinely enjoy each other's company but, unfortunately, career pressures pushed them apart and the two reportedly broke up in May 2009. In early June 2009, Selena confirmed her spring fling with Taylor was over by saying "He's one of my good friends. I'm single. Definitely single."

So what's next for Disney's Selena Gomez? "I love acting, and that's my passion. So I would love to do more movies and some serious things." Selena has the talent, beauty and charm to make all her dreams come true. This is one teen celeb and role model sure to be on our 'A' list for years to come!