Selena Gomez Declares She Would Choose Acting Over Music: 'I'm Tired'
By Afouda Bamidele on January 3, 2024 at 11:30 AM EST
Music fans, brace yourselves as the melody might be changing for Selena Gomez.
The multi-talented artist known for her chart-topping hits is revealing that she is ready for a change, expressing weariness with the music scene. While this is not the first time she has hinted at such a transition, the actress has definitely evolved significantly in Hollywood since her Disney days.
Selena Gomez Signals Potential Shift From Music Career
The versatile 31-year-old shared insights into her career trajectory and aspirations in a candid interview, delving into the roots of her music journey.
When questioned about her dual passions, Gomez revealed the challenges of balancing singing and acting. She expressed her inclination toward acting on the SmartLess podcast and admitted:
"I do feel like I have one more album in me. But I would probably choose acting."
Selena Gomez on her next album probably being her last. pic.twitter.com/NE6eU60Vtj
— Selena Gomez News (@OfficialSGnews) January 2, 2024
Despite the hosts, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes, encouraging and praising her musical talents, the "Only Murders in the Building" star candidly mentioned her desire to take a break, stating, "But I am gonna wanna chill cos I'm tired."
This shift in focus concerning a career change has happened before. When she graced the cover of Elle's September issue in 2021, she opened up about various aspects of her life, from battling sickness to dealing with online bullies.
However, amidst these contemplations, the award-winning star emphasized one constant in her evolving journey — an unwavering commitment to making music.
The former teen idol declared that she would never stop creating music, regardless of the challenges she faced. Despite the potential difficulties, Gomez remained dedicated to creating the art she wanted and sharing her genuine self with the world.
While she was not driven solely by the pursuit of accolades like the Grammy Awards, Gomez saw her music as a deeply personal expression. For her, the essence of her sound was about authenticity and self-expression, making it challenging for her to do anything but "pour herself out."
The entrepreneur also noted her dedication to making a positive impact in everything she undertook. If it did not align with this principle, she asserted, "… I'm not going to do it. I don't need money, I need people who want to fight with me."
Selena Gomez On Navigating Challenges Beyond Disney Fame
In a follow-up exploration in 2022, Gomez, who charmed audiences during her Disney days, reflected on her journey from there to mainstream Hollywood. Despite her established acting prowess, the actress faced challenges in being taken seriously in the adult-based industry.
The fact that she had gained recognition and success as a Disney starlet, rather than improving her chances, became a hindrance, leading her new colleagues to doubt her capabilities.
Reflecting on this difficult period, Gomez expressed her frustration: "I felt like it was very difficult for people to take me seriously. I have slowly pushed through that, and I'm really glad, but it was very frustrating. I felt like a joke, you know?"
Starting her Disney journey in 2006 with a role in "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" as Gwen, the "Lose You to Love Me" singer's path continued with appearances in "Hannah Montana" and her iconic portrayal of Alex Russo in "Wizards of Waverly Place," later reprised in the 2009 film adaptation.
Additionally, she took on the role of Carter Mason in "Princess Protection Program." In her transition to mainstream Hollywood, the TV personality ventured into more mature themes with her role in "Spring Breakers," a film known for its exploration of violence, sex, and drug use.
Beyond acting, the 2-time MTV Video Music Awards winner has made significant strides behind the scenes in the film industry. As a producer, she contributed to the success of "13 Reasons Why," a critically acclaimed series that debuted on Netflix in 2017.
Gomez earned the People's Choice Award for her role as Mabel Mora in the debut season of Hulu's "Murders in the Building," which returned for season two in June 2022. She was also set to star in Elgin James' drama "In the Shadow of the Mountain" as Silvia Vasquez Lavado and would appear in Petra Collins' thriller "Spiral."