Happy Birthday, Selena Gomez! The Disney Channel star is celebrating her 18th birthday today, and she certainly has accomplished a lot in those 18 years. Originally from Texas, the actress began her career at the age of 7 when she was cast as Gianna in the seventh season of “Barney and Friends.” Minor roles followed, and she was soon discovered by the Disney Channel, bringing her guest-starring roles in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “Hannah Montana.” Her character on “Hannah Montana” became a recurring role, leading Gomez to her starring role in “Wizards of Waverly Place” and various movies.
In addition to her acting work, Gomez has followed in the footsteps of other Disney Channel stars in becoming a recording artist. She first premiered her music in her movie “Another Cinderella Story,” followed by various Disney-based compilations. Her band, Selena Gomez and the Scene, put out their debut album Kiss and Tell in 2009. About the album, MTV.com writes:
It’s a refreshingly evolved collection of tunes that follows in the Miley Cyrus model of splitting the difference between dance music, straight pop and driving rock. The single “Naturally” is an especially effervescent pop gem, buoyed by Gomez’s sweet, dynamic voice.
With the band’s second album, A Year Without Rain, debuting in September; Gomez’s upcoming movie “Ramona and Beezus” opening in theaters this weekend; and her continuing work on the Disney Channel; it’s clear that Selena Gomez has a lot to celebrate on her birthday today. Her future, much like her past, looks busy and bright.
