Selena Gomez’s partner has always felt “confident” growing up, thanks to his family who helped keep him grounded. Recently, he stirred up social media as users voiced disapproval over his selection as part of this year’s “Sexiest Man Alive” roster. Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, Benny Blanco, was hailed one of the sexiest in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue for 2024, sparking online controversy. Despite the backlash, he’s more than just a headline—he’s a Hall of Famer who sees a future with Gomez.
Speaking to People for his Sexiest Man Alive feature, Blanco candidly opened up about his rules for being a sexy gentleman. Reflecting on his roots in Virginia, he shared, “I always felt pretty confident. My mom was like, ‘You’re the best,’ and my brother was always so sweet to me. He always paved the way, always made sure people were nice to me.”
With a blend of humor and a bold sense of style, the star embraces modern masculinity while staying rooted in chivalry. Beyond his charm, Blanco is a Grammy-nominated producer who has crafted hits for stars like Ed Sheeran and collaborated with artists such as Halsey and Khalid.
A TikTok favorite, he has also been honored with the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award for his impact on the music industry. A true creative both in and out of the studio, the celebrity is also a devoted food lover and cookbook author. He loves hosting themed dinners at his Los Angeles home, where he cooks favorites like homemade Taco Bell and deep-fried pickles for his girlfriend. Despite his success, it’s the “simple” pleasures that make him happiest, he said.
For Blanco, cooking is about showing his partner love, even if it means learning a new recipe or asking about her favorite dish. He mentioned that chivalry matters, advising, “Tell her how pretty she is.” He’s even perfected Taco Bell’s signature meat from scratch, saying, “It’s disgusting, but it’s delicious.” When it comes to cooking for Gomez, whom he began dating in 2023, his humor shines through. As he joked in another interview, “How can anyone not love you if you’re making them a huge steak with potatoes and salad?”
He’s also an early riser, describing mornings with Gomez as his favorite time of day. “It’s like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up,” he explained. Reflecting on their relationship, Blanco added, “I have a true best friend that I get to do everything in the world with, and every day is the best day of my life.” The two had known each other for years before their relationship blossomed. They even collaborated on the 2021 song “I Can’t Get Enough.” Gomez, who was single for years before dating Blanco, opened up about her journey to finding love in a May 2024 interview.
“I was alone for five years, and I got really used to it,” the actress revealed, adding that she even planned to adopt by 35 if she hadn’t met anyone. Initially, she saw Blanco as a friend and even asked if he could set her up with someone.