Selena Marie Gomez is an American singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and businesswoman. She began her career as a child actress, starring on the children's television series Barney & Friends (2002–2004). Gomez rose to prominence and emerged as a teen idol, for her leading role as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012). As a recording artist, she signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed the pop rock band Selena Gomez & the Scene, for which she served as lead vocalist. With three studio albums and seven singles, each of the band's releases have received gold certifications or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Gomez at the White House in 2022
Gomez at the 2009 Hollywood Style Awards in Beverly Hills
Gomez performing at the 2010 KISS FM Jingle Ball
Gomez at a concert promoting Stars Dance in 2013
Wizards of Waverly Place is an American fantasy teen sitcom created by Todd J. Greenwald that aired on Disney Channel for four seasons between October 2007 and January 2012. The series centers on Alex Russo, a teenage wizard living on Waverly Place in the Greenwich Village section of New York City, who undertakes training alongside her siblings, Justin and Max, who are also equipped with magical abilities. The siblings are trained knowing that one day they will compete to win sole custody of their family's powers. Episodes focus on Alex's challenges in keeping her secret powers hidden while she deals with the social and personal issues of her youth. She frequently uses magic in her everyday life, sometimes irresponsibly, and develops her supernatural abilities over the course of the series. The main themes depicted include family, friendship, and adolescence; the series also contains fantasy elements.
Selena Gomez, pictured in 2009, serves as the program's central focus during its four-season run.
The series is set on Waverly Place in New York's Greenwich Village.
Image: David Henrie 2010 (cropped)
Image: Jake T. Austin 2011, 2