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Selena Gomez and Karol G bond over their first childhood crush

Let's be honest, we all had some random early crushes, but Selena's might take the GOAT trophy for the most unexpected.


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
JUNE 26, 2025 3:23 PM EDT

Selena Gomez just dropped a truth bomb that no one saw coming, and it's melting the internet. In the latest episode of Complex's wildly entertaining web series GOAT Talk, Gomez sat down with Colombian superstar Karol G to trade picks for their greatest of all time in everything from rap legends to heartbreak anthems.

But what stole the show was a sweet and surprising confession from both. While Karol G had eyes for Eminem, Ice Cube was Selena's very first childhood crush. The gangsta rap icon and N.W.A legend had 5-year-old Selena drawing hearts in the air.

On the red carpet, the friends greeted each other before Karol G’s performance at the gala.© Gilbert Flores

"I had the biggest crush on him," Gomez admitted with a grin, catching Karol G totally off guard. "It's so weird, but I just thought he would protect me."

Let's be honest, we all had some random early crushes, but Selena's might take the GOAT trophy for the most unexpected. She wasn't talking about teen heartthrobs like Jonathan Taylor Thomas or a Disney prince. It was all about that 90s-era Ice Cube energy, stoic, tough, but secretly a softie.

GOAT Talk Gets Real

If you've never seen GOAT Talk, it's a goldmine of casual, hilarious, and occasionally deep celeb moments. Each episode lets artists riff on their personal "greatest of all time" across a ton of random topics. This latest episode with Gomez and Karol G delivered all the chemistry, laughs, and curveballs you'd hope for.

Karol G, Selena Gomez at Selena Gomez's 2nd Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit at nya studios West on October 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)© Variety via Getty Images
Karol G, Selena Gomez at Selena Gomez's 2nd Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit at nya studios West on October 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

When the duo began talking about GOAT rappers, Karol G confidently dropped Eminem's name. Gomez agreed before letting her adorable little secret slip.

The pair also opened up about their go-to sad songs, ultimate collab goals, and what music makes them ugly-cry in the best way. If you're curious, the Ice Cube moment happens around the 12-minute mark, but the whole episode is worth watching.

Big Year, Big Energy

Both stars are riding high in 2025. In March, Selena released "I Said I Love You First," a dreamy, emotional album co-created with her now-fiancé, Grammy-nominated producer Benny Blanco. It's her most personal project yet, packed with raw lyrics and polished pop-R&B production. Fans and critics alike are calling it some of her best work ever.

Selena Gomez posts a pantless and adorable tribute to Benny Blanco© @selenagomez

Not to be outdone, Karol G just dropped "Tropicoqueta," her fifth studio album, in June. It's a lush, genre-blending record full of tropical rhythms, reggaeton fire, and Karol's signature bold energy. She's already dominating summer playlists worldwide.

Media Image© @karolg

The idea of these two collaborating? It's not just wishful thinking. After the GOAT Talk episode, fans are talking about a potential crossover hit. Selena and Karol have chemistry, and the vibe is undeniable.

Watch the full GOAT Talk episode on Complex's YouTube channel below.

Selena Gomez & Karol G Debate GOAT Pop Star, Song to Cry To & Reggaetón Artist | GOAT Talk

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