Is HBO’s The Idol Based On Selena Gomez’s Real Life?
HBO’s newest original series on Max has garnered plenty of press focusing on the controversial excess of nudity, sex, and drugs. The series comes from the minds of Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and music superstar Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd). The series features a star-studded cast including Lily Rose Depp, Abel Tesfaye, Troye Sivan, Jennie Kim, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Dan Levy, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Jane Adams.
The Idol follows the life of pop superstar Jocelyn (Lily Rose Depp) after her mother’s passing as she navigates the pressure from her management to return to the music industry. The star falls for club owner Tedros (Abel Tesfaye) who leads a cult-like group of artists into taking over Jocelyn’s mansion. The group parties, couples up, and creates music with renowned industry producer Mike Dean. Jocelyn and Tedros’ tumultuous relationship comes to a head at the end of the series, leaving viewers to wonder who was in control and who was using who.
Similarities between Jocelyn’s storyline and the true events of Selena Gomez’s life were hard to ignore while watching. With Selena’s 10 month romance with Abel, speculations aren’t all that random. Pop Culture Planet contributor Jordan Bohan identifies similarities between the real life popstar and the fictional one.
Hospital Bracelet
In the opening shot of the series, we see Jocelyn doing a photoshoot wearing a hospital bracelet. This is indicative of her time spent in a mental health facility after her mother’s passing.
Throughout her career, Selena has been very open about her mental health. In her Bad Liar cover art, the artist is seen wearing a hospital bracelet and bandage.
Topless Album Cover
The opening scene photoshoot is for Jocelyn’s new album cover. She is seen arguing with the intimacy coordinator because she wants to go topless for the shoot and her contract did not include nudity.
Selena Gomez’s Revival album cover art features the singer topless. This is the first time we see her divert from her conservative Disney persona in a very public and clear way.
Child Actor
In the first episode, we see Jocelyn is introduced to a Vanity Fair journalist. The journalist tells her that they grew up watching the star on Rock House.
Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place is where Selena gained initial popularity. She was also in Barney & Friends when she was younger.
Canceled Tour
Jocelyn notably canceled her tour due to mental health issues after her mother’s passing. This is a central part of the series as the star fights to regain her management’s trust.
Selena notably canceled part of her Revival tour due to her struggles with her mental health and Lupus diagnosis. The star has yet to tour since.
Escalated Maturity in Music
Jocelyn’s single is a very mature song titled “World Class Sinner / I’m A Freak.” The original song and remixed version she creates with Tedros both feature noises of a sexual nature.
In attempts to move away from her Disney days, Selena released singles like “Bad Liar” and “Fetish” that feature more adult concepts and sounds.
Collaboration with Assistant
Jocelyn’s best friend, Leia, is also the star’s assistant. The pair have a makeup line together that doesn’t seem too much of a priority.
Selena Gomez has a BFF that doubles as her assistant, Teresa Marie Mingus. The duo have collaborated on a swimwear line as well.
Public Religious Beliefs
During an interview with the Vanity Fair journalist, Jocelyn reveals that she answers to God.
Selena has always been open about her Christian faith in interviews and most recently in her documentary.
