“I’ve always, always said that I’m not perfect. I’m human. I get mad. I get sad. I have all those emotions, but I just like to keep them to myself.”
~ Selena Gomez
by Carson Abrir
Selena Gomez, 18, beat out Justin Bieber, KeSha, Bruno Mars, and B.o.B. to win Favorite Break-Out Artist at the 2011 People’s Choice Awards broadcast live on CBS last night.
Gomez became well-known to American youngsters four years ago in her starring role in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.” Built on the theme of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories, the show is about magical powers that propel a girl to the height of teen celebrity.
With the guidance of her mother, who manages the teen star, Gomez built on her success with young audiences by venturing into clothing, music, and promoting charitable causes as a UNICEF ambassador.
When Gomez sat down with the LA Times’ Amy Kaufman just before her 18th birthday, she said her mother, who had Selena when she was just 16, is the anchor of her life.
Gomez may have been as surprised as anyone to win the People’s Choice Award, saying she’s never had the ambition to be the next Miley Cyrus.
“No, I never wanted that title. I don’t want that title. I don’t want any title. I know that I’ve been called those things multiple times, but I don’t aspire to be that. I’ve always, always said that I’m not perfect. I’m human. I get mad. I get sad. I have all those emotions, but I just like to keep them to myself.”
Ten years after she began her acting career as Gianna on Barney & Friends, Selena Gomez is well on her way to becoming a top entertainer. Although it’s unlikely she has the magical powers of the character she played on “Wizards of Waverly Place,” the unwavering support of her mother combined with natural talent, a strong connection with her audiences, and the hard work it takes to break-out as a respected global entertainer may be even more powerful.
RELATED:
2011 People’s Choice Award Winners