Selena Gomez and her new boyfriend, producer Benny Blanco, made their first public appearance as a couple on January 4th, 2024 during a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game. The two were photographed cuddling, holding hands, and kissing courtside in a rare show of PDA for the typically private Gomez.
Selena Gomez Beams During Date Night with Benny Blanco
In photos obtained exclusively by TMZ, Gomez, 31, is seen snuggling up to Blanco, 35, as they sit courtside at the Lakers vs. Miami Heat game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Dressed casually in an oversized gray hoodie and metallic silver Balenciaga boots, Gomez looks blissfully happy as she leans her head on Blanco’s shoulder. She can’t stop smiling as she gazes adoringly at her Grammy-winning boyfriend, who is Known for co-writing massive hits like “Senorita” and “I Like It.”
At one point, Gomez tenderly touches Blanco’s face and leans in for a kiss. Blanco wraps his arm around the Rare Beauty founder affectionately.
Other photos show the couple walking hand-in-hand through the arena, completely lost in their own world. Despite the crowd and cameras around them, their chemistry is undeniable.
“Selena looked so at ease and happy with Benny by her side,” an onlooker tells E! News. “You can tell she feels very comfortable with him. They were adorable together and weren’t trying to hide their affection in the slightest.”
Gomez was previously guarded about her relationship with Blanco after rumors started swirling in late 2022. But their PDA confirms they are fully embracing their romance after keeping things under wraps for months.
How Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s Romance Began
Gomez and Blanco have known each other for years through the music industry, but a friendship turned romantic in 2022.
They began collaborating musically in July 2022 and grew increasingly flirtatious in the studio. By fall, it was obvious things had turned romantic between the longtime acquaintances.
“Working together brought out a new side of Selena, one her friends haven’t seen in years,” a source told US Weekly. “She’s really letting loose and having fun with Benny.”
Blanco has writing and producing credits on Gomez’s recent single “My Mind and Me,” and he also worked on several tracks for her still-untitled new album.
Rare Show of PDA for Private Star
Gomez has said keeping her personal life private is crucial to maintaining her mental health and self-care routine. Ever since her very public relationship with Justin Bieber, the actress and singer has refrained from addressing rumors about who she may or may not be dating.
In 2020, Gomez was occasionally spotted with businessman Zach Sang but never publicly commented on their relationship status. Her most recent confirmed boyfriend before Blanco was The Weeknd, whom she dated for nearly 10 months in 2017. After they split, Gomez told Billboard she preferred to keep romantic relationships out of the public eye moving forward.
Which is why her PDA-filled outing with Blanco has left fans shocked but thrilled to see their idol so joyful and affectionate.
“This is the happiest I’ve seen Selena in so long! She deserves this,” one fan tweeted about the date night photos.
What’s Next for the Hot New Couple?
While Gomez and Blanco have kept mum about their romance so far, their courtside PDA suggests they are ready to be more public as a couple.
An insider tells Entertainment Tonight, “Selena is so affectionate with him because she feels super comfortable and trusts him completely. She feels like she can be herself and doesn’t have to hide anything from him, whether that’s her struggles or the little things she thinks are cute or embarrassing.”
The source adds, “Benny makes her laugh like crazy and he’s a really grounding presence in her life. Her friends and family are all huge fans and really hope this is her shot at long lasting love.”
With awards season underway, we may see the adorable pair make more public appearances in support of Blanco’s projects. There are even rumors of a red carpet debut at the upcoming Grammys, where Blanco is nominated for Producer of the Year.
For now, fans are thrilled to catch a glimpse of Gomez so giddily in love. It seems Benny Blanco may be ~the one~ to finally win over the pop star’s heart for good.
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