Takeaways:
- Selena Gomez opened up about her emotional first kiss with music producer Benny Blanco.
- The kiss triggered a real reaction—complete with a rash and racing heartbeat.
- Their story resonates with anyone who’s felt vulnerable during early romance.
- Selena reveals how her “Only Murders in the Building” co-stars may play roles in her future wedding.
Love can sometimes take your breath away—literally. That was the case for actress and singer Selena Gomez, who recently revealed how her first kiss with fiancé Benny Blanco left her blushing, flustered, and physically reacting with a rash.
The couple, who announced their engagement in December 2024 after over a year of dating, shared their romantic origin story on the Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware podcast. What unfolded was a moment as awkward as it was heartfelt, proving that even celebrities experience the jitters when love catches them off guard.
A Kiss to Remember: The Start of Something Real
Selena and Benny’s first kiss wasn’t some Hollywood production—it happened casually on a couch during a relaxed hangout at the end of their second date. The two were playing the relationship-building game “We’re Not Really Strangers”, which prompted them to take a selfie together.
“She got right on my chest and took a selfie,” Benny recalled. “Then I just looked at her and said, ‘I got to kiss this girl.’ So I kissed her right away.”
While spontaneous, the moment sparked intense feelings, especially for Selena. “It was a very good kiss,” she admitted—but the aftermath was more than she expected.
When Chemistry Gets Physical
“I started getting a rash,” Selena revealed, laughing. “My heart was beating so fast, and I was so nervous.”
The “Lose You to Love Me” singer confessed that it wasn’t just nerves. After being single for nearly five years—aside from a few underwhelming dates—this kiss felt different. “Some kisses are just for fun,” she said. “But when you feel something behind it, it hits differently.”
Caught off guard by her strong emotional and physical reaction, Selena was admittedly “a little embarrassed.” But Benny wasn’t fazed. “He asked, ‘Are you okay?’ And I just said, ‘Yeah, I’m fine,’ even though I really wanted to say, ‘I like you. I really like you.’”
A Slow, Steady Walk to the Altar
Though the engagement is official, the couple is taking their time with wedding planning. However, Selena confirmed that her Only Murders in the Building co-stars—Steve Martin and Martin Short—will likely play memorable roles in the celebration.
“Marty is due to give a speech,” she told The Drew Barrymore Show. “I told him he must. I feel like Marty would have an epic speech.”
As for Steve Martin? Selena joked he might take the stage with his banjo. “Steve will probably pull out his banjo,” she quipped, hinting that their big day could come with both tears and a few laughs.
Why This Matters to Entertainment Professionals
For actors, filmmakers, and creatives alike, stories like these remind us that behind every red-carpet romance lies genuine human vulnerability. Selena’s raw reaction to her first kiss with Benny Blanco shows how powerful emotional connection can be—even for global stars. In a world where PR relationships dominate headlines, this love story stands out as refreshingly authentic.
For entertainment professionals looking to craft relatable characters or real love stories, this candid moment offers a wealth of inspiration: Love doesn’t need grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a board game, a selfie, and the courage to lean in.
