Selena Gomez's First Celeb Crush Was A Rapper, Explains 'Weird' Reason Why
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on June 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM EDT
Selena Gomez is no stranger to crush-worthy headlines, but in a recent sit-down, the pop sensation revealed a childhood crush that caught everyone off guard.
The "Only Murders in the Building" star’s unexpected confession brings a fun twist to her romantic history, which includes several headline-making relationships.
Selena Gomez has dated several celebs in the past, including Justin Bieber and Nick Jonas, before finding love with Benny Blanco.
Selena Gomez Reveals Childhood Crush On Ice Cube
The 32-year-old Texas native opened up about her earliest favorites in music and confessed that her first-ever celebrity crush was none other than Ice Cube.
“I had the biggest crush on him when I was like five,” Gomez admitted to Karol G on Complex’s “GOAT Talk” with a laugh. “It’s so weird, but I just thought he would protect me.” The revelation visibly stunned Karol G, who responded with an enthusiastic, “My God! He’s amazing!”
Before dropping that bombshell, Gomez also shared that Eminem was one of her favorite rappers growing up, something she credits to her father, who worked as a DJ. “Every time it was an Eminem song, I would just get so excited,” she recalled.
Meanwhile, Karol G shared that Eminem was her childhood favorite as well, while Nicki Minaj currently tops her list.
From Nick Jonas Drama To Taylor Lautner’s Sweet Side
Selena Gomez’s love life has often been in the spotlight, thanks in part to her A-list status and the high-profile nature of many of her romances. From Disney Channel flings to decade-defining drama, the singer and actress has had her fair share of headline-making relationships.
One of Gomez’s earliest public relationships was with fellow teen idol Nick Jonas. The pair dated during the height of Jonas Brothers mania, capturing the hearts of Disney fans everywhere. Although their romance was brief, it did stir up some tension at the time with Miley Cyrus, who also dated Jonas.
The following year, while filming in Vancouver, Gomez struck up a short-lived romance with "Twilight" star Taylor Lautner. Although their schedules soon pulled them apart, the relationship remained drama-free. In later interviews, Gomez spoke fondly of Lautner, calling him “so sweet.”
Selena Gomez’s Emotional Journey With Justin Bieber
Perhaps Gomez’s most well-known and emotionally complex relationship was with pop superstar Justin Bieber.
The two began dating in 2010 and endured an on-again, off-again saga for nearly eight years.
Their ups and downs were closely followed by fans and media alike, and both artists later released songs that seemed to reflect on their time together. Gomez’s emotional ballad “Lose You to Love Me” is widely believed to be inspired by their breakup.
From Met Gala Moments To Rumored Dinners
In early 2017, Gomez began dating singer The Weeknd (born Abel Tesfaye).
The two made several public appearances together, including a glamorous showing at the Met Gala, and even moved in together temporarily. However, the relationship ended amicably after about 10 months, just before Gomez briefly reconnected with Bieber.
In 2023, Gomez was linked to former One Direction member Zayn Malik after the two were reportedly spotted dining together in New York City. Though fans were quick to speculate, neither Gomez nor Malik confirmed the relationship, and the rumors eventually fizzled out.
Inside Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco’s Love Story
Rumors began swirling in late 2023 when fans noticed flirty Instagram interactions and Blanco's involvement in Gomez’s music projects. Notably, Blanco was a co-producer on her 2023 single "Single Soon", which many now see as a cheeky hint at their blossoming romance.
After weeks of speculation, Selena confirmed the relationship in the comments of a fan post on Instagram. She not only defended Blanco from online hate but declared, “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” The confirmation was unexpected, especially considering how private Gomez had been about previous relationships, but it marked a turning point. This time, she was proud to share her love.
Since going public, Selena and Benny haven’t shied away from showing affection online. From sweet selfies to public comments like “I love you” and “You make me so happy,” the couple has embraced a playful, unfiltered vibe.
One year after confirming their relationship, Selena and Benny got engaged.
From teenage heartbreak to mature romance, Selena Gomez’s relationship journey has mirrored her personal and artistic evolution, full of lessons, growth, and tabloid frenzy.
