Entertainment

Disney’s darling takes on Hollywood [SLIDESHOW]

Alyssa Moody Contributor
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18-year-old Selena Gomez has accomplished more in her brief career than most stars do in a lifetime.

The young actress returns to the big screen this summer in “Monte Carlo,” which hits theaters next week. She’s also conquered the world of music, and recently released her third studio album, “When the Sun Goes Down,” which has been a huge commercial success. Additionally, she received rave reviews for her hosting gig at this year’s Much Music Awards.

Her romantic life has produced a whirlwind of media buzz. The brunette siren is currently dating the world’s biggest teen heartthrob, Justin Bieber. The duo has quickly become teen royalty, but their relationship is not without criticism. Immediately after the star confirmed their relationship on Twitter, she was swarmed with thousands of tweets from angry Justin Bieber fans across the globe. Some of the messages even threatened the young star’s life.

Gomez visited “Fox and Friends” Wednesday morning to promote her upcoming film and was asked whether or not she thought her highly-publicized love life and more mature film roles would “tarnish” her squeaky-clean Disney image.

“I have a right to live my life and I feel I’ve done a very good job in the position I’ve been put in,” Gomez replied.

“I should be able to grow up. I have finished with Disney Channel but that doesn’t mean I want to completely disown the fact I do have a younger generation looking up at me, I guess.”

Although the Disney darling has grown up under the spotlight, she seems to have remained relatively level-headed amidst the hype. Take a look at the star’s most memorable moments in her brief but busy career.