Selena Gomez has addressed the growing speculation about the noticeable changes in her speaking voice over the years. During an Instagram Live, the 33-year-old singer and actress directly confronted the issue. When asked by fans, she responded with a candid explanation.
"I think my point is, is that sometimes things happen," Gomez shared in a straightforward tone. She explained that her voice changes due to occasional physical discomfort. "I get weird. My throat kind of swells inside sometimes. That's all. That's good," she added, before expressing gratitude for the support and honesty from her fans.
Gomez has been open about her health struggles, particularly her battle with lupus, an autoimmune disease she revealed in 2015.
Possible link between lupus and voice changes
While Gomez did not explicitly link the changes in her voice to lupus, it’s important to consider the effects the disease can have on the body. Lupus, an autoimmune condition, causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, resulting in symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and inflammation.
Inflammation can extend to the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice, including hoarseness and vocal fatigue. Medical experts suggest that these changes can sometimes be temporary but may become chronic in some individuals.
Though Gomez has not confirmed if lupus is the cause, her condition could be a contributing factor. Fans and experts alike have speculated that the changes in her voice could be a combination of the medication she takes for lupus and the emotional strain she has experienced over the years.
The evolution of Selena's voice
Selena’s voice has undergone visible changes over the years, as shown in a viral video that gained over 1.9 million views on TikTok. The video compared her speech from her early career to more recent appearances.
In one clip from when she was a teenager, Gomez sounded excited and animated about her career aspirations. By 2024, her voice sounded noticeably different, especially in a more subdued interview where she discussed the challenges of living under the public eye.
Fans have noted that Gomez’s change in speech could be linked to her battle with anxiety and physical health issues. Some have pointed out that her speech seemed affected during a 2025 interview at the Golden Globe Awards, speculating that her struggle with her health might be at the root of it.
While the exact reason for her voice change remains unclear, Gomez’s openness about her health provides important insight into how her condition may be affecting her physically. Through it all, she continues to receive heartfelt support from her fans, who have admired her candidness and resilience.