Multiple outlets confirmed earlier this month that Selena Gomez has been chosen to portray Linda Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic about the classic rock, country, folk and Latin music legend. In the weeks since the news first emerged, many fans on social media continue to hold varying opinions regarding the Only Murders in the Building star’s new role.
Ronstadt, 77, is beloved by many due to her powerhouse vocals and multiple octave range, as heard in her most famous hits and covers like “Blue Bayou,” “You’re No Good” and more. While many Instagram users were pleased that Gomez, 31, was selected to play Ronstadt due to their shared Mexican heritage and Gomez’s acclaimed acting chops, it seems that some feel that their vocal abilities are not as much of a match.
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Beneath a January 10th Instagram post from Rolling Stone, many fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the casting. "It's a biopic. Playing the character well is what matters the most," one wrote as another added: "Perfect. She looks a lot like her." Some expressed their concerns about Gomez's "vocals," with one writing: "They should have picked an unknown who looks and sounds more like her." Someone else wrote: "Cool but can she change her usual tone to match Linda’s is the big question? Idk."
One chimed in: "She doesn't have the pipes... she's great in her own right but Linda had such a unique voice." Another harshly replied: "shouldn't they use someone who can sing?" While Gomez can certainly sing (and has dominated many a Billboard chart with her hits in recent years), it seemed that many might have meant that her vocals weren't as "powerful" or "dynamic" as Ronstadt's. Other fans, however, shared reasons why they thought the "Single Soon" singer would be a "great choice."
"Selena resembles Linda Ronstadt! Love them both," one commented as someone else added: "Perfect casting. Selena has a low enough range for it." One fan other fan concurred: "Look, Selena is a current star, and they’d be stupid not to cast her. I always thought she looked like a young Linda anyway."
The user went on: "She’s most likely not going to do the actual singing in the film. She may not be the best singer in the world, but she’s a damn good actress, if you watch Only Murders In The Building, you’ll see that I’m right. You can give her s—t for a lot of things, but the girl can definitely act."
Even prior to the announcement of the casting, both Gomez and Ronstadt expressed admiration for each other in glowing terms. During an interview with the Cruz Show on Power 106 in 2015, Gomez shared that the concept for the cover of her Revival album was drawn from the 11-time Grammy winner. "It looks like a Linda Ronstadt photo, it’s a ’70s photo. ... It’s beautiful," Gomez said, adding: "I'm proud of that."
In a recent interview for ABC's Latin Music Revolution special, which was broadcasted in September 2023 as a segment of the Soul of a Nation series, Ronstadt made mention of Gomez. "I think she’s wonderful," Ronstadt said of Gomez. "I think she’s adorable." Ronstadt drew attention to their Mexican-American roots and drew a comparison between Gomez and herself in their ability to sing in Spanish despite not being fluent speakers.
Additionally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer expressed admiration for Gomez's acting abilities. "She’s a good actress," Ronstadt added. "I watch her on Only Murders in the Building. It’s so funny. She’s so good."
