The music producer discusses kindness and open dialogue as keys to their love story
Category: Arts & Culture
Benny Blanco revealed the secret to his successful relationship with Selena Gomez during an interview on the Today show on September 13, 2026. The couple, who got engaged in December 2024 and married in Santa Barbara, California, in September 2025, has attracted considerable media attention for their romance.
Blanco, 38, shared that kindness and communication are fundamental to their relationship. "I didn’t use, like, black magic or anything," he joked during the interview, emphasizing that being nice to one another has been a guiding principle. "It’s like, you know, just being able to talk about things and have an open dialogue," he explained. He expressed gratitude for their relationship, stating, "Yeah, we’re in a really good spot, and I’m very fortunate. And I think, again, not being a dick and being nice to people put her in my orbit."
Blanco's approach to finding the right partner included creating a list of qualities he sought in a spouse. He mentioned that his criteria were simple but meaningful. "The first thing on my list was age-appropriate," he said, adding, "Then the second thing on my list was someone who’s nice. Nice, caring, compassionate, like someone who’s a nice person." The third quality he sought was someone who woke up "generally happy." Blanco noted that he developed this list with his therapist after realizing he needed to change his approach to relationships.
The couple's romance began in December 2023 when Gomez publicly expressed her affection for Blanco by commenting on a fan account's post, saying, "He is my absolute everything in my heart." Their engagement announcement followed a year later on Instagram, and they tied the knot on September 27, 2025, in a ceremony that Blanco described as a dream come true for Gomez.
Their wedding took place at a rented palm tree farm, where they opted for unconventional decorations, including off-centered Persian rugs instead of traditional floral arrangements. Blanco explained, "We just wanted to do something unconventional. She’s like, ‘I want to walk down the aisle and I want the aisle to be, like, Persian rugs off centered. I don’t want normal flowers. I don’t want it to feel bougie.’" This personal touch highlighted their desire to create a unique experience that resonated with Gomez's vision of a non-traditional wedding.
Blanco and Gomez's relationship has been characterized by a blend of public and private moments. They kept their romance largely under wraps for about eight or nine months before going public. In a Spanish interview with El País’s Icon magazine, Blanco recalled, "We kept our relationship private for a long time, about eight or nine months. And she asked me, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? I understand if you want us to just be friends.’ And then I said, ‘You know what? Screw it.’" Their decision to share their love story with the world reflects their confidence in their bond.
Blanco's rise to fame as a music producer has been gradual. He noted that his recognition began to grow significantly between 2018 and 2019 with the release of his first solo track, "Eastside." This period marked a turning point in his career, as he transitioned from a behind-the-scenes figure to a public persona. He admitted that the combination of his newfound fame and his relationship with Gomez has been a whirlwind experience.
As the couple approaches their first wedding anniversary on September 27, 2026, they are set to celebrate the milestone on the same day as the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Neither Blanco nor Gomez is nominated for the awards, allowing them the opportunity to enjoy their anniversary privately. During the Emmys on September 13, 2026, where Gomez's show, Only Murders in the Building, was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, Blanco did not attend. Instead, he was in Boston, promoting his new book, F*ck Failure, at Harvard Business School.
Gomez attended the Emmys solo, choosing to focus on her work and co-stars. The fifth season of her show has been well-received, and she has been recognized for her contributions as a producer. Meanwhile, Blanco's commitment to promoting his book indicates his focus on personal and professional growth. The couple's recent travels also highlight their desire to spend quality time together, as Blanco joined Gomez in Europe for a special birthday trip in Italy in July 2026.
Blanco has spoken candidly about handling the pressures of fame and the scrutiny that comes with being in a high-profile relationship. He mentioned that Gomez admires his ability to cope with internet commentary about him, stating, "Selena will come to me, and she’ll be like, ‘I can’t believe how well you can [cope].’" His perspective on fame, shaped by his experiences since he was a teenager, has equipped him with tools to navigate the challenges that come with public life.
As both Blanco and Gomez continue to flourish in their respective careers, their relationship serves as a reminder that kindness and open communication can be the foundation of a strong partnership. With their wedding anniversary approaching, fans are eager to see how the couple will celebrate this special occasion. As they continue to support each other's endeavors, the future looks bright for Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez.