Selena Gomez opens up about the hardships of growing up from Disney to adult career

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Selena Gomez had some growing up to do after she left Disney stardom.

Selena Gomez, 29, has faced the challenges of growing up that so many of the stars who got their start on the stage so early in life face.

Selena did not leave the feeling that she was taken lightly.

"I felt like it was very difficult for people to take me seriously," she told The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast. "I have slowly pushed through that, and I'm really glad, but it was very frustrating. I felt like a joke, you know?"

The Grammy-nominated singer recently confirmed to Deadline's Crew Call podcast that she's in the studio working on her next album.

"I'm grateful for where I am, but I think and I believe that I've barely touched the surface of what I'm able to do," she said.