Selena Gomez Took Spanish Lessons for 6 Months!

The secret to Learning Spanish Well
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5 Video Views·Feb 12, 2025
Selena Gomez reveals she took Spanish lessons for six months to prepare for her role in the musical thriller Emilia Perez. In this exclusive interview, she shares insights into her dedication to embracing her Mexican-American roots, learning the language, and connecting with her culture. The Emilia Perez film, which dropped on Netflix, has left fans divided, but Selena’s performance has earned praise. Watch to find out how this role has rekindled her passion for music and more!
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Selena Gomez disclosed that in order to properly prepare for her role in Emilia Perez on Netflix,
she spent six months learning Spanish. The 32-year-old Wolves singer,
who previously talked about her mental health, and lover Benny Blanco,
talked about the musical thriller on Tuesday's episode of NPR's Fresh Air.
Emilia Perez appeared on the streaming service earlier this month, on November 13th,
and has caused a great deal of controversy among followers.
Despite growing up speaking Spanish at home, Gomez clarified that she lost her fluency
in the language after relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment.
She claimed in the show that,
I got my first job at seven and most of my jobs from that point on were English.
Additionally, I simply lost my Spanish.
For many people, particularly Mexican-Americans, that is somewhat the case, she clarified.
I wish I just knew a lot more than I do, the celebrity continued.
However, I believe this is the reason I make every effort to respect my culture,
from wanting to pursue this movie, to releasing an album in Spanish.
Selena added, I don't think it will be the last thing I do in Spanish.
Gomez subsequently said that playing the wife of a cartel leader,
Jessie, helped her rediscover her love of music.
It was one of the most emotional songs that I got to record during the process of shooting this
Rare Beauty founder Mi Camino said in reference to one of the film's songs.
And I recall simply singing it while reflecting, this could have been my song.
And this could have been a song on an album I would put out individually because it's so
brilliantly expressed and it seems very true to who I am, to where I am,
the former Disney Channel star continued.
In addition to Gomez, Adriana Paz, Edgar Ramirez,
Carla Sofia Gaskin, and Zoe Saldana were also cast in the musical Criminal Comedy.
According to IMDb, the plot is as follows.
In Mexico, a lawyer receives an unexpected offer to help a feared cartel boss retire
from his business and disappear forever by becoming the woman he's always dreamed of being.
In May, Emilia Perez made its debut at the 77th CanFilm Festival,
where it was a Palme d'Or contender.
The female ensemble earned Best Actress in the festival,
and the production ultimately took home the jury prize.
The musical Crime Comedy debuted in French theaters in August
and was made available on Netflix last week.
Additionally, the film was chosen as France's Best International Feature
Film submission for the 97th Academy Awards.
In a prior interview last month in September,
Selena discussed Emilia Perez and her part, as well as the relationship she has with her co-stars.
I'm incredibly appreciative of the people in my life who support and encourage me.
Indeed, I feel a unique bond with these women.
I'm really thankful that I get to travel with them," she continued.
I appreciate that we support one another and are glad for one another.
That may not happen often.
While some fans have praised Gomez for her role in the movie,
others have called it the most offensive film of the year.
Shortly after the project's release on Netflix,
various users expressed their opinions on it on Reddit.
It is insanely offensive, yes, according to one.
And that's even before you get into the Mexican culture aspect of it all.
It manages to windmill slam on every single horrible trans movie stereotype
that TO be honest, though the most unpleasant aspect about it was how dull everything was.
I'm honestly baffled that this movie has gotten any attention at all, another person typed.
Others, however, took issue with the unfavorable comments,
with one commenting that the film was a true spectacle in every sense.
Emilia Perez is an emotional symphony, a highly inventive and moving musical
that uses compelling storytelling to examine difficult and thought-provoking concepts.
Keeping herself occupied, Selena recently went to the SAG-AFTRA
Foundations event in Los Angeles on Tuesday honoring Emilia Perez.
The actress talked about her developing relationship with Benny Blanco,
a song producer, whom she started dating last year.
I see a future with this person, and this is the safest relationship I've ever been in.
Additionally, people are less inclined to pursue you when you put a little bit out there.
The singer went on to say that while the couple primarily keeps their romance
out of the public light, there are parts of their relationship that people don't see.
Gomez discussed how she has found sanity
by concentrating more on her acting profession than her music career.
Talking about music that may have had a role in your tale,
but is no longer there can be rather frightening,
and sitting there talking about myself is incredibly difficult.
It's exhausting. I have never been asked a personal question,
Emilia Perez revealed when doing publicity for her.
Not a single personal question has been asked during any of the interviews I've done for this film.
And because it's been so energizing, I've wanted to simply say
thank you and kiss each reporter in the mouth because I feel safer there.
