Selena Gomez is reflecting on her impressive music catalog with great affection and nostalgia.
Before taking the leap into her successful solo career, the talented 33-year-old singer and actress was the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Selena Gomez & the Scene. This dynamic group released three studio albums between 2009 and 2012, which showcased their unique sound and helped shape Gomez’s career. Now, she’s taking a moment to reflect on one standout track from those formative years that holds a special place in her heart.
In a recent interview on the Therapuss podcast, which aired on Wednesday (Aug. 6), Gomez shared with host Jake Shane that her all-time favorite song from her time with the band is “Who Says.” This empowering anthem served as the lead single from their final album, When the Sun Goes Down, and it made waves on the charts, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 2011, showcasing Gomez’s early musical prowess.
“It’s the most powerful moment when I get to perform it,” the Only Murders in the Building actress expressed passionately. “That’s honestly the only reason I would ever do a tour again … is if I could perform ‘Who Says.’” Her attachment to the song highlights its significance in her career and personal journey, reinforcing the bond she shares with her audience through this powerful piece.
Gomez, who has not embarked on a tour since 2016, humorously mentioned that if she were to perform “Who Says” today, she would need to “take it down an octave from each year I’ve sung it.” This statement reflects her growth as an artist and the evolution of her vocal capabilities over the years. She also expressed a willingness to revisit the song, considering re-recording it, as she feels that her voice on the original track sounds “young” compared to her current vocal maturity.
“I need to redo it,” she candidly stated. “I should recut it.” This desire to revisit her earlier work speaks to the artist’s commitment to growth and her understanding of the importance of authenticity in her music.
The Emilia Pérez star also shared her thoughts on the empowering message of “Who Says,” revealing a heartfelt moment when she teared up while listening to it on the radio during a trip abroad. This emotional experience highlights the song’s impact not just on her career but also on her personal life.
“I was like, ‘Why the f—k am I tearing up to my own song?’” she recalled. “But it was because it was the little me who was there saying these really powerful messages that I still need to hear.” This reflection underscores the enduring relevance of her music and its ability to resonate with her at different stages of life.
Elsewhere in the interview, the founder of Rare Beauty fondly reminisced about how she first connected with her longtime friend Taylor Swift nearly two decades ago, after both experienced breakups with the Jonas Brothers. Their shared experiences helped forge a lasting bond that has stood the test of time.
“She and I like to say the best thing we got out of those relationships was each other,” Gomez told Shane. “We became best friends, bonded over the breakup, as girls do. Then we just stuck around for all the ups and downs that came after, and here we are now 16 years later.” This statement highlights the importance of friendship and support in the entertainment industry.
Most recently, the Wizards of Waverly Place alum released a collaborative album with her fiancé Benny Blanco, titled I Said I Love You First, which debuted impressively at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in May. This new project demonstrates her continuous evolution as an artist and her ability to create music that resonates with fans.
Watch Gomez discussing the significance of “Who Says” at the 21-minute mark in the Therapuss interview below.
