The daughter of a Mexican American father and an Italian mother, Selena Gomez was brought up by her mother, from whom she also gained her interest in acting. Gomez began her acting career at the age of seven, playing Gianna on TV series Barney & Friends, and was then signed by the Disney Channel to feature in Hannah Montana and other shows. After various TV appearances, including as Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, Gomez made her recording debut singing Cruella De Vil for a DisneyMania compilation album. She also recorded three tracks for the soundtrack of the 2008 Another Cinderella Story film, in which she also appeared, and sang Fly To Your Heart in the 2008 animation Tinker Bell. In 2009 she formed the pop band Selena Gomez & The Scene with Ethan Roberts (guitar), Joey Clement (bass), Greg Garman (drums) and Dane Forrest (keyboards). The band collaborated with Gina Schock of the Go Go's and others on their debut album Kiss & Tell in 2009, including first single Falling Down and follow-up Naturally (their breakthrough into the UK Top 10) was a Number 1 in the US dance charts. In 2010 the band released their second dance-pop album A Year Without Rain, which included contributions from Katy Perry and hit singles Round & Round and the album's title track.
