When it comes to singing or acting, Selena Gomez has made it clear that her main priority is her work as an actress. Luckily, fans will get to see her do both in her next big film. She is set to star in a biopic about Linda Ronstadt as a 1970s music icon.
Rock star approval
Both Gomez and Ronstadt alerted fans to the casting with their social media activity on January 10th. Gomez posted an Instagram Story showing Ronstadt's 2014 memoir, Simple Dreams, and wrote, “It all started with a simple dream,” according to . Fans have also noticed that Ronstadt's official Instagram account started following Gomez. Her account also shared its own Instagram story, “It all started with a simple dream,” this time with a Variety article announcing Gomez's casting, which he also posted on Facebook.
Ronstadt's posts subtly but clearly highlighted her excitement that Gomez will be playing her in the upcoming biopic. These included the eyes and two hearts emojis. Additionally, TMZ sources say Ronstadt personally approved of Gomez. They reportedly had a chance to meet and discuss the project at Ronstadt's house a few months ago.
Mutual praise of the past
Even before the casting was announced, Gomez and Ronstadt had positive things to say about each other. In 2015, Gomez said on Power 106's Cruz Show that her revival album cover was inspired by the country, rock and Latin music legend. “It looks like a photo of Linda Ronstadt, it's a photo from the '70s. … It’s beautiful,” she said. “I’m proud of that.”
Recently, Ronstadt spoke about Gomez in an interview for ABC's special “Latin Music Revolution,” which aired in September as part of the series “Soul of a Nation.” “I think she’s wonderful,” she said. “I think she’s adorable.”
Ronstadt also spoke about their shared Mexican-American heritage, comparing Gomez to her in that they both could sing in Spanish but couldn't speak it. She was also impressed by her acting skills. “She’s a good actress,” Ronstadt added. “I watch her on Only Murders in the Building. Its so funny. She’s so good.”
The Linda biopic
Few details are known about the film, but Gomez will help bring Ronstadt's life to the screen. Ronstadt, now 77, began her music career in the late 1960s as part of a three-piece group called the Stone Poneys. They had their first hit, “Different Drum,” in 1967, and they enjoyed major solo success in the 1970s. Like Gomez, she has recorded albums in both Spanish and English. Over the years, she has won 11 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
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