Selena Gomez was moving through a busy year in music and acting, and another high profile moment was on the horizon: a performance at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. The show drew a star-filled lineup, with Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber among the other headliners that night. While fans debated which song Gomez would showcase, many expected her current hit Come and Get It to take the stage, given its momentum on radio and in the charts. The broadcast was set for May 19 on ABC, a date North American audiences eagerly marked on their calendars.
Behind the scenes buzz built as Gomez’s live set was teased across previews and social feeds. Media coverage of the awards often highlights how her performances blend confident stage presence with dance-ready choreography and contemporary fashion. The lineup, which also included Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, added energy to the night and broadened the appeal for viewers in both the United States and Canada. Viewers anticipated a memorable moment that could reinforce Gomez’s trajectory from teen star to a more mature pop artist.
Come and Get It, released earlier that year, defined the likely soundscape of Gomez’s performance: a sultry dance-pop track built for big-stage moments. The song’s reception in pop radio and streaming circles suggested it would translate well to a televised performance with sharp choreography and dynamic visuals. Whether the stage production would lean into glossy dance routines or a more intimate moment, audiences expected a confident showcase that matched the competitiveness of the BBMAs.
That night marked a milestone in her evolving career, highlighting a move beyond teen pop toward a wider audience. The 2013 Billboard Music Awards gave Gomez a big stage for vocal range, stage presence, and crowd connection, while fans in Canada and the United States followed along from home. For many viewers, the performance reinforced the idea that pop stars can grow their careers by delivering memorable moments on major TV stages.