Heather E. Schwartz - Selena Gomez

An excited crowd chanted and screamed outside AMC Loews Lincoln Square Theater in New York City on June 23, 2011. Monte Carlo. She accented her dress with Casadei pumps, a dainty gold bracelet, and a sparkling gold clutch. She wore her hair loose and wavy.

Selena stepped up her style for the premiere of her movie Monte Carlo.

I got paired with the most beautiful girls and the sweetest girls. And who can complain about shooting in Paris?

Selena on her costars at the premiere of Monte Carlo, from an interview with TV Guide.

Walking the red carpet, Selena spoke with reporters. They asked about her favorite memories making the movie and her future plans. She was surrounded by celebrities, including costars Katie Cassidy and Andie McDowell.

Selena enjoyed filming with costars Katie Cassidy (left) and Andie McDowell (right).

Inside the theater, singer Justin Bieber kissed Selenas hand before taking his seat beside her. The couple snuggled and shared popcorn as they watched Selena play two leading roles on the big screen.

In the film Selena played Grace, a girl who gets mistaken for a British heiress. She also played the role of the heiress.

Being able to do what Ive always wanted to do my entire life is a gift, and my whole dream has come true. To see where I am, from where I was, is just crazy!

Selena in an interview with Teen magazine.

Selena Marie Gomez was born on July 22, 1992. Her parents, Mandy Teefey and Ricardo Gomez, raised her in a small home in Grand Prairie, Texas. Mandy was only 16 when Selena was born. Mandy and Ricardo named their daughter after the Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla Perez.

Although Selena was an only child, she didnt grow up alone. My grandmother babysat 13 kids at once. I grew up with a bunch of kids around me, she has said.

[My mom] was really strong around me. Having me at 16 had to have been a big responsibility. My mom gave up everything for me, had three jobs, supported me, sacrificed her life for me.

Selena in an interview with E!

For fun, Selenas mom performed in local theater. Selena loved watching her put on makeup. She helped her mom learn her lines. Sometimes Selena even gave her mom tips after the performances.

Selena caught the acting bug from her mom, Mandy (left).

When Selena was 5 years old, her parents divorced. Her moms strength helped Selena to stay positive. My [role model] is first and foremost my mom, she has said.

Sometimes Selena wanted to be a doctor or cheerleader. But other days she wanted to perform. Her favorite movie was The Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, inspired Selena to become an actress.

Barney & Friends needed a new cast. The audition was on her birthday. Shy, 7-year-old Selena was scared to see 1,400 other kids waiting to try out. But when it was her turn, she relaxed. She realized that auditioning was just like running lines with her mom. After a few callbacks, Selena won the role of Gianna on the show.

Selena visited a Hollywood, California, art gallery in 2008 with Mandy (left) and stepfather Brian Teefey (right).

Singing, dancing, and acting on Barney taught Selena how to take direction and perform in front of a camera. Two years later, she was ready to move on. She filmed commercials, but there wasnt much work in Texas.

When she was 11, Selena was discovered by the Disney Channel in a nationwide talent search. Producers chose her to appear in a new Disney Walker,Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire.

I realized I wanted to do comedy when I guest starred on The Suite Life. I was 12, and I played a small part. I heard the audience laugh, and it became addictive to me. I was like, Whoa, I just made them laugh.

Selena in an interview with Seventeen magazine.

In 2007 Selena got her big break. After auditioning several times, she landed a part on the Disney TV show Wizards of Waverly Place. Selena would play the role of Alex Russo, a wizard in training.

Selena costarred with Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, and David Henrie (left to right) on Wizards of Waverly Place.

Winning the part meant Selena, her mom, and her stepfather, Brian, would have to move to California. Leaving behind her Texas home, her father, and her friends wasnt easy. But Selena was determined to follow her dreams. Her family supported her new career. They drove her to interviews and made sure she stayed grounded while surrounded by celebrities.

David DeLuise (second from left) played Jerry Russo, the father of Selenas character.

Texas Treat

When Selena left her home state, she didnt give up her love of Southern food. Living in California, she was still able to enjoy one of her favorite snacks, Texas popcorn. To make it she shakes up popcorn with salt and Tabasco sauce. Then she dips the popcorn in pickle juice before popping the kernels into her mouth.