Selena Gomez finds answers

By MESFIN FEKADU

AP Music Writer

NEW YOrk

Have a question for Selena Gomez? She says you’ll find the answer in her new album.

The singer-actress, who had her breakthrough on Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” at 15, says she knows she hasn’t been too revealing in the past, but she’s becoming comfortable in her own skin — and that’s reflected on “Stars Dance,” released last week.

“Genuinely, the whole record is me being a woman and wanting to explore that and being comfortable in my skin and my body, and exuding confidence,” said Gomez, who turned 21 a week ago. “People speculate or think what they want to think, but it’s been really fun for me to kind of explore what I want to explore.”

Gomez credits her daring role in the film “Spring Breakers” with helping her find comfort in her womanhood. She has similar energy on her seductive single, the Rihanna-esque “Come & Get It,” which has officially broken her into major pop territory. The double platinum song has peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

She’ll kick off a 56-city world tour — which includes an Oct. 11 date at Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh — in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Aug. 14.

Gomez talked about growing up, music and her relationships with ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber and best friend Taylor Swift in an interview with The Associated Press.

Q. You say this album is more personal. What’s it like to reveal your true feelings on the songs?

A. The last records ... were very processed and a little bit rushed in a way, so the fact that I had so much time to share my life story and just where I am was fun for me. ... There were moments where I would be a little emotional, talking about things I made sure I executed perfectly because it was such a sensitive subject.

Q. Do you feel like the blogs and the celebrity Web sites play up your relationship with Justin Bieber?

A. I think they do kind of blow it up in a way and I do think they want to have something to talk about, so that’s the easy thing to do. ... I’ve known him for a really long time and we enjoy each other’s company every now and then. But I’m definitely single.

Q. What have you learned from Taylor Swift when it comes to making music?

A. I think Taylor has been a really good inspiration in my life in general, not just the music side, just who she is. Taylor’s been one of the strongest people I’ve ever known and she’s been through a lot. Honestly I think if anything I aspire to be her in her personal life and how she handles herself.