Dealing with the recent teen drama on the Internet hasn't dimmed the spotlight one bit for Selena Gomez.  The star of Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place recently had to confront the media hype concerning a controversy with Hannah Montana's Miley Cyrus.  As the issue goes, a YouTube video emerged showing Miley and her best friend Mandy mocking Selena and Camp Rock actress Demi Lovato. 

Despite all the publicity, Selena assured everyone that she harbors no hard feelings over the incident.  She was seen just the other day at the annual Teen Choice Awards, and was even cheering for the host of the event, Miley Cyrus. 

Gomez was all smiles when she proclaimed that she wanted to make her mark on the industry without taking the identity of other celebrities.  She has the pressure of being pushed into being the next tween sensation.  “It is nerve-racking, but I'm not here to be anyone else but myself,” she said.

She also explained that she wasn't in showbiz to replace anybody, even though she was complimented as the next Miley.  One thing she learned from Cyrus' experience, though, is to keep a low profile about whatever trouble she may be getting into. 

Vowing to keep any naughty business away from exposure, Gomez continued, “I am 16, so I will make mistakes. But I hope to keep these mistakes to myself and avoid keeping that in contact with my fans. I'm trying to be the best role model I can be.”  She also notes her mother as the one who inspires her to be that way, keeping her grounded as she supports her daughter. 

In her good-girl role model campaign, Gomez has made it a point to get kids involved in politics.  This is a big step for any teenager, especially one who has been surrounded by teenybopper gossipmongers.  Gomez has decided to take an active stand in promoting the upcoming presidential election, even though she isn't old enough to cast her vote. 

“I am a big sponsor of Urvotes.com, which educates teens about what's going on with the world regarding everything from the economy to global warming,” she admitted.  She even stressed on the importance of her generation, especially in deciding who the next president will be. 

It seems as if Selena Gomez has moved on to acquire a more mature attitude.  There's no denying that she's been promoting the aura of good influence that many teen celebrities lack.  Even though her character on Wizards of Waverly Place gets stuck in mischief often, it looks as though Selena will keep herself out of trouble for now. 


-Maria Gonzalez, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: FOXNews.com
(Image Courtesy of JustJared.com)