Benny Blanco has spent more than two decades shaping modern pop music from behind the mixing desk. While he spent years as a multi-platinum songwriter and producer working with Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Maroon 5, his transition into the public spotlight shifted interest toward his romantic life. From private early relationships to a heavily publicized romance and marriage with Selena Gomez, Blanco's personal life reflects a decade of evolution in both sound and stature.
Understanding Benny Blanco's trajectory requires looking past standard tabloid headlines. His career bridges the gap between anonymous hitmaker and mainstream public figure, marked by long-standing industry collaborations, culinary ventures, and high-profile partnerships that eventually led to his marriage.
Early Industry Foundations and Keeping Personal Life Private
Before his name became synonymous with major pop culture relationships, Blanco built a massive catalog as a producer. Born Benjamin Joseph Levin, he grew up in Virginia before moving to New York, where he caught the attention of mentors like Dr. Luke. Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, he co-wrote and produced global chart-toppers including Kesha's "TiK ToK" and Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream".
During this peak production era, Blanco kept his personal life remarkably guarded. Unlike artists who court celebrity relationships early in their rise, Blanco operated behind the scenes. He rarely discussed his dating life in interviews, allowing his production credits on tracks like Rihanna's "Diamonds" and Ed Sheeran's "Don't" to speak for themselves. This privacy held firm for years, establishing him as a fixture in the music industry long before he stepped out as a lead artist or public partner.
The Relationship with Elsie Hewitt
Blanco's first widely recognized public relationship began around 2019 when he started dating model and actress Elsie Hewitt. The pair crossed paths on the set of his music video for "Graduation" featuring Juice WRLD.
Unlike his later high-profile dynamic, his time with Hewitt was relatively low-key. The couple made their official red carpet debut in early 2020 at a Spotify event. They shared occasional moments on social media, giving fans a rare glimpse into Blanco's romantic life. However, the relationship concluded later that year. Neither party aired private details about the split, maintaining the discretion that characterized Blanco's early career.
Transition to Artist Projects and Culinary Ventures
As his romantic life shifted, Blanco expanded his creative footprint outward. In 2018, he released his debut studio album, Friends Keep Secrets, stepping from behind the mixing board to feature front-and-center alongside artists like Khalid and Halsey.
He didn't stop at music. Blanco leaned into food culture, co-authoring the cookbook Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends with Jess Damuck in 2024. This pivot toward lifestyle, cooking shows, and public-facing media changed his public persona. He transformed from an elusive studio hermit into a recognizable, eccentric personality across social media and television. This increased visibility set the stage for his most public relationship to date.
The Romance, Engagement, and Marriage with Selena Gomez
In June 2023, Blanco connected professionally and personally with Selena Gomez, helping produce her single "Single Soon". What began as a professional collaboration quickly blossomed into a romance. By late 2023, Gomez confirmed their relationship to the public, defending their bond against intense online scrutiny.
The relationship moved quickly under the microscope of global media. Unlike his previous private partnerships, this romance thrived in the open, featuring frequent social media updates, public red-carpet appearances, and joint creative efforts. The couple announced their engagement in December 2024. Cementing their decade of individual growth and shared milestones, Blanco and Gomez married in September 2025 in Santa Barbara, California. They also extended their creative partnership into music, releasing collaborative projects including the album I Said I Love You First in early 2025.
Through major record label imprints like Mad Love Records and Friends Keep Secrets, Blanco has continuously reinvented his career. His journey from an underground Virginia beatmaker to a globally recognized pop figure highlights a decade defined just as much by creative risks as by personal stability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tracking Celebrity Timelines
- Confusing past collaborations with romances: Blanco has worked with hundreds of major artists; professional studio sessions do not equate to dating history.
- Overlooking timeline gaps: Blanco maintained a strictly private personal life for years prior to his public relationships with Elsie Hewitt and Selena Gomez.
- Ignoring his multi-industry shift: Fans often view him solely as a pop boyfriend, ignoring his extensive background as a multi-platinum producer, author, and label founder.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez start dating?
They began dating in June 2023 after working together on Gomez's single "Single Soon". They later married in September 2025.
Who did Benny Blanco date before Selena Gomez?
Prior to his relationship with Gomez, Blanco dated model Elsie Hewitt from 2019 to 2020 after meeting on the set of his "Graduation" music video.
What are Benny Blanco's most famous music productions?
Blanco has produced numerous global hits, including Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," Maroon 5's "Moves like Jagger," and Rihanna's "Diamonds".
Does Benny Blanco have projects outside of music?
Yes. Beyond music production, Blanco co-authored the cookbook Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends, published a second book titled Fck Failure*, and co-hosts various culinary and lifestyle programs.
