With the release of her
new LP, "Stars Dance," the world is getting a glimpse of a more adult
Gomez. CNN sat down with the multi-hyphenate on the morning of her
birthday, and she opened up about how much she's grown since leaving
teendom behind.
"The past year and a half
has been really transitional for me, just personally, as well as
transitioning into becoming a woman," she said. "I still feel like I'm
15 sometimes and then other times, I'm wanting to feel comfortable in my
body and my skin."
For this album, Gomez
drew inspiration from her favorite pop star, Britney Spears, as well as
from her good friend Taylor Swift for a more mature sound. The former
"Mouse House" starlet revealed she is most proud of this album because
it is the first time she was able to dedicate herself fully to her
music.
"I was able to have full
creative control over it. Before, I would have maybe a month or two to
record an album, and I'd have to do my series at the same time and tour
on the weekends. I wasn't in the right mindset to fully give my all."
Gomez began acting
professionally at a young age, nabbing roles in children's programs such
as "Barney and Friends." As more former child stars are seen heading
down dark and destructive paths, Gomez has always made a conscious
effort to keep from falling down the same rabbit hole. The secret? It
all comes down to the company you keep.
"I truly believe that you
are who you surround yourself with. To me, it's that easy. I have a
great family, I have great friends, and my mom is like my mama bear.
She's the one that's going to tell me 'no' when everyone around me says
'yes.' It's a good thing to have a tight group that will keep you in
check."
"Stars Dance" is a very
personal album, Gomez said. Expectations for the disc are high,
following three Top 10 debuts from her previous albums. "Come and Get
It" marked Gomez's first single to break into the Top 10 on the
Billboard Hot 100.
With a 64-date arena tour on the horizon, the performer is determined to strike while the iron's hot.
"I really just want to
give it my all. I've never been this tired. Dancing so much, singing
constantly, just getting it tight. We want the show to be really big. I
want it to be big, but in a grand way, just having my dancers and just
bringing it to life."
Despite her hectic
schedule and speculation about whether she'll rekindle her relationship
with Justin Bieber, Gomez said she has no plans for a break in the near
future. In fact, it may not be long before fans will be treated to album
No. 5.
"I'm already in the
studio now. I actually started working on new stuff and creating a whole
fun, different vibe. It's constantly evolving. I'm super-stoked with
where this is, and hopefully it will continue to just get better."
