Selena Gomez opened up about her childhood celebrity crush in the latest episode of GOAT Talk by Complex, surprising fans with an unexpected name: Ice Cube. In the episode released on Wednesday, June 25, the Calm Down singer sat down with fellow artist Karol G for a candid and entertaining conversation.
The two stars discussed their personal “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) picks across various categories, including favorite rappers — a topic that led to some unexpected confessions. When Karol G named Eminem and Nicki Minaj as her top rap influences, Gomez revealed her “first crush” was none other than rap icon Ice Cube.
“Can I tell you my first one I had a crush on, Ice Cube?” Gomez shared, laughing. “I had the biggest crush on him when I was, like, 5. It’s so weird, but I just thought he would protect me. I’m only saying it simply based on my childhood.”
The 32-year-old actress and singer also cited Eminem, also known by his alter ego Slim Shady and Marshall Mathers, as a major musical influence during her upbringing. “One of mine was Eminem only because I grew up listening to him,” Gomez explained. “My dad was a DJ, and he would remix all kinds of songs, and every time it was an Eminem song, I would just get so excited.”
The interview gave fans a nostalgic glimpse into Gomez’s early musical tastes and childhood impressions — a contrast to her current public image as a pop icon, businesswoman, and actress. Gomez’s revelations come as she continues to enjoy a steady relationship with fiancé Benny Blanco.
The couple got engaged in December 2024 and have been relatively low-key about their romance, which Gomez has described as genuine and grounding. Although wedding plans are not yet underway, a source close to the couple shared that they’re enjoying their engagement without pressure.
“They’re taking it one day at a time,” the insider said, suggesting that the couple is focused more on enjoying the moment than rushing down the aisle. As fans eagerly await any updates on her upcoming nuptials, Gomez’s lighthearted and down-to-earth confession about her childhood crush on Ice Cube has added yet another layer to her relatable charm, proving once again that even global superstars can have surprisingly adorable childhood memories.
