Selena Gomez has opened up about one of the most recognizable periods of her career, describing her 2016 era as “hectic” despite the success and cultural impact that continue to make the year memorable for fans.
The singer and actress was at the height of her mainstream popularity in 2016 following the release of her album Revival. During the same period, she became the most-followed person on Instagram, further highlighting her enormous influence in popular culture.
However, Gomez’s 2016 experience was more complicated than the glamorous throwback images often shared online suggest.
The star cancelled the remaining dates of her Revival tour in August 2016 to focus on her health. At the time, she was dealing with lupus as well as anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
Years later, fans continue to revisit photographs, performances and fashion moments from the era. Gomez, however, says those nostalgic images do not fully represent what she was experiencing at the time.
Selena Gomez Says 2016 Was a Hectic Time
Speaking to PEOPLE in a recent interview, Gomez discussed the continued fascination with her appearance and career during the 2016 period.
She acknowledged that the throwback posts can be entertaining, but said fans sometimes seem to want to keep her associated with that particular version of herself.
“I’ve got to be honest, the 2016 throwbacks are fun but I think people want to freeze me in time to that period of my life,” Gomez said.
She described the period as “such a hectic period” while joking about the distinctive beauty trends she embraced at the time.
Gomez’s smoky-eye looks, fashion choices and public appearances became closely associated with the Revival era. Those moments continue to circulate on social media as fans look back at one of the most recognizable stages of her career.
Gomez Says She Is Happier With Life Today
While 2016 remains an important part of Gomez’s career history, the actress and singer indicated that she is comfortable with the person she has become since then.
Reflecting on the contrast between her younger image and her current life, Gomez said she was once focused on trying to appear cool, while her present lifestyle is more relaxed.
“I was trying to be cool! It was probably more interesting because I’m now chilling, which is great,” she said.
Her comments also touched on the expectations that celebrities can face when audiences become attached to a particular period of their careers.
Gomez said some fans continue to expect her to recreate the appearance she had when she was younger, but she made it clear that she does not intend to remain frozen in that stage of her life.
“I think people always want me to look the way I did, but that’s just not gonna happen,” she said.
The remarks offer a different perspective on the nostalgia surrounding Gomez’s 2016 era. While fans may remember the music, fashion and celebrity moments from that period, Gomez’s own recollection includes both professional achievements and significant personal challenges.
Today, the singer and actress appears more comfortable discussing how much her life and priorities have changed since the Revival era.
