Selena’s special interview for Billboard Women In Music Issue

Chart topper Selena gives interview for special Billboard Women In Music issue.

“This Was the First Time I Was Able to Trust Myself'”

“At 23, Selena Gomez has held down a career for longer than a lot of full-fledged adults — and, not to rub it in, one that has been far more successful. Despite having worked since ­childhood — she landed a Barney & Friends in 2002, role at the age of 10 — the former Disney star says, “I still feel like I’m the girl from Texas. My mom would still be mad if I didn’t say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.'”

But in 2015, Gomez set out to show how much she has grown up. With her second solo album, Revival (which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in October), the singer-actor ­introduced an ­increasingly mature style — from steamy first ­single “Good for You” (featuring A$AP Rocky) to her choice to pose nearly nude for the cover art. Also, this year, Gomez went public about her battle with lupus in Billboard’s cover story. It all fits the theme: At the core, Revival is about being true to yourself, even when that means raw exposure. “Strength ­represents a ­vulnerability,” she says. “This was the first time I was able to really trust myself and go with my gut.”

Early Fixation
“Judy Garland. I was obsessed with The Wizard of Oz. I didn’t realize until I was older that she lived a tragic life.”

The Lupus Circus
“It has been overwhelming and the response has been very supportive, which is nice — but it still makes me a little uncomfortable. I waited for the right time to talk about it because I am in a great place and I’m very healthy. I’m not trying to be loud about it: It was time to use my platform to help.”

The Album-Art Issue
“One of my favorite album covers is Miguel’s Wildheart. He’s shirtless, he’s got a woman on him, and it’s so ­beautiful. But that’s looked at as a piece of art, whereas people are questioning my album cover — or my character.”

Onscreen Dream
“I would totally love to work with Meryl Streep — it doesn’t even have to be a whole film. I could be the waitress that comes in and just says, ‘Hi.’ ”

On A Scale of 1 to 10, The Year 2015
“A good 8. A lot of ups and downs, but they helped shape who I am.””

Read full article at www.billboard.com