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Selena Gomez has created such a huge name for herself as a singer, big-screen actress, and style star that it’s easy to forget that she got her start on the Disney Channel, playing the lead role of Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place from 2008 to 2012. While Selena’s journey has included its fair share of ups and downs, it’s worth noting that the 27-year-old actress and singer just experienced a lot of the same things that many women in their 20s go through; friends coming and going, relationships falling apart (and rekindling), doing a little partying, and even getting tattoos. We’re taking a look back at Selena’s evolution from cute Disney kid to smokin’ hot Hollywood star — scroll through to see the memorable moments.
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May 2007
A fresh-faced Selena attended the LA premiere of Shrek the Third.
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May 2007
She walked the red carpet at the Anaheim, CA, premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
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August 2007
Selena posed with Minnie Mouse at the Disneyland premiere of High School Musical 2 in Anaheim, CA.
February 2008
A young Selena and Demi Lovato posed together at a Chevy event in LA.
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June 2008
Selena posed with a pair of young fans at an AIDS benefit event in LA.
September 2008
Selena was all smiles during an autograph signing for Wizards of Waverly Place fans in NYC.
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September 2008
Selena stayed close to Taylor Swift at the LA premiere of Another Cinderella Story.
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October 2008
She hit the catwalk for Runway For Life in LA.
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October 2008
Selena launched the first ever Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign in NYC.
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November 2008
Selena showed off her new bangs at the CNN Heroes event in LA.
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January 2009
Selena posed with a furry friend at the LA premiere of Hotel For Dogs.
Butter Nails Belong on Your Spring Mood Board
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August 2009
Selena accepted the Teen Choice Award for choice Summer TV star at the ceremony in LA.
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September 2009
Selena and her Wizards of Waverly Place costars celebrated their outstanding children’s program win at the Creative Emmy Awards.
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October 2009
Selena turned heads in a black dress at the Hollywood Style Awards in LA.
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November 2009
She linked up with Shakira at the American Music Awards in LA.
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Getty | Kevin Winter/DCNYRE2010
December 2009
A young Selena and Justin Bieber hugged while attending New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Las Vegas.
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March 2010
Selena teared up while accepting her trophy for favorite TV actress at the Kids’ Choice Awards in LA.
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Related
Selena Gomez’s Tattoos Include a Bunch of Friendship Designs
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July 2010
Selena and her Ramona and Beezus costar Joey King promoted the film together at a Miami meet-and-greet event.
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July 2010
Selena sat front row with Kim Kardashian for the Beach Bunny Swimwear fashion show in Miami.
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September 2010
Selena seemed to be breaking out of her shell in a sexy silver dress at the MTV VMAs in LA.
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December 2010
She sang her heart out at the Jingle Ball in NYC.
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January 2011
Selena and Taylor Swift celebrated their respective People’s Choice Award wins — favorite breakout artist and favorite country artist — backstage at the ceremony in LA.
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February 2011
A mature-looking Selena waved to her fans at the LA premiere of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.
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February 2011
Selena and Justin Bieber had a very adult-looking date night at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty in LA.
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March 2011
She and Justin Bieber showed major PDA while on vacation together in Maui.
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April 2011
She shared a sweet hug with Cory Monteith on the Kids’ Choice Awards red carpet in LA.
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May 2011
Selena and Justin Bieber cuddled up in their seats at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas.
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May 2011
She showed some cleavage during a performance at KIIS FM’s Wango Tango show in LA.
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June 2011
Selena blew a kiss to the camera at the MTV Movie Awards in LA.
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August 2011
Selena buddied up with Demi Lovato at the Teen Choice Awards in LA.
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August 2011
Selena showed off a sexier, more mature look at the MTV VMAs in LA.
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July 2012
Selena celebrated her 20th birthday on stage at the Teen Choice Awards in LA.
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March 2013
She palled around with Katy Perry and Kristen Stewart at the Kids’ Choice Awards in LA.
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March 2014
Selena took home the Kids’ Choice Award for favorite female singer at the annual ceremony in LA.
