Selena Gomez’s evolution from teen idol to influential artist has been anything but ordinary, yet the question lingers: What happened to Selena Gomez?
Behind the Grammy nominations and record-breaking success lies a narrative rarely told in headlines: a years-long battle with autoimmune disease, the quiet aftermath of a life-saving transplant, and a deliberate retreat from fame to reclaim her voice. This isn’t just a celebrity story, it’s a raw examination of resilience, one that reveals why her recent creative resurgence defies all expectations.
Who Is Selena Gomez?
Selena Gomez is an American singer, actress, producer, and entrepreneur who rose to fame as a child star before becoming one of the most influential entertainers of her generation.
Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Gomez got her start in show business at just seven years old with a role on Barney & Friends. Her Mexican heritage and humble beginnings shaped her down-to-earth personality, even as she skyrocketed to international fame.
The Rise to Stardom
Gomez’s breakthrough came in 2007 when she landed the lead role of Alex Russo in Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”. The show’s massive success turned her into a household name, and she quickly expanded her career into music. Forming the band “Selena Gomez & the Scene”, she released hit albums like “Kiss & Tell” and “A Year Without Rain”, blending pop and dance sounds that dominated the charts.
By the 2010s, Gomez had transitioned into a solo music career, with smashes like “Come & Get It” and “Good for You” proving her staying power. Beyond entertainment, she became a fashion icon, launched her beauty brand “Rare Beauty”, and produced acclaimed projects like “13 Reasons Why” through her company, July Moon Productions.
Selena and Justin Bieber: A Rollercoaster Romance
Selena Gomez’s highly publicized on-again, off-again relationship with Bieber became one of the most talked-about celebrity romances of the 2010s. The two young stars, both at the peak of their careers, first sparked dating rumors in 2010 after being spotted together at the Vanity Fair Oscars party.
Their relationship was filled with ups and downs, public breakups, and constant media attention. Despite romantic moments, fame and trust issues caused repeated splits.
Gomez’s 2017 song “Lose You to Love Me” was seen as a farewell to their turbulent romance, capturing themes of betrayal and self-growth. After Bieber married in 2018, Gomez described the relationship as a lesson in self-worth and healing. Though it didn’t end in a fairytale, it deeply influenced her music and personal growth.
What Happened to Selena
Behind the glitz and glamour of fame, Selena Gomez has faced a relentless and life-altering health struggle. In 2014, she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own tissues, leading to fatigue, joint pain, and organ damage. For years, she managed the condition privately while continuing to work, until her health took a devastating turn.
The Kidney Transplant That Saved Her Life
In 2017, Gomez revealed she had undergone an emergency kidney transplant due to lupus-related complications. Her close friend, actress Francia Raisa, donated the kidney, a sacrifice Gomez has called “the ultimate gift.”
The surgery was a success, but recovery was grueling. She faced months of physical therapy, dietary restrictions, and the emotional toll of relying on a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressant medications.
Mental Health and the Road to Healing
The toll of what happened to Selena Gomez, combined with the pressures of fame, led her to openly discuss her battles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. She took multiple breaks from the spotlight to prioritize her well-being, even canceling tours to focus on treatment. In 2020, she released her album “Rare”, which touched on themes of self-acceptance and resilience.
Gomez has since become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, launching initiatives like the “Rare Impact Fund” to provide access to mental health resources. Her transparency about her struggles has inspired millions, proving that even in the darkest moments, hope and strength can prevail.
A New Chapter with Benny Blanco: Love, Music, and Healing
After years of personal struggles, Selena Gomez has found happiness with longtime collaborator Benny Blanco. The Grammy-winning producer, who co-wrote her hit “Lose You to Love Me,” became her romantic partner in 2023, marking a refreshingly stable and low-key relationship compared to her past.
Fans see a new peace in Gomez, who calls this bond “healthy and uncomplicated.” Blanco supports her through health battles and career highs, even starring in her “Love On” video. Now thriving in music and advocacy, Gomez proves that after every storm comes calm.
