Selena Gomez shared a candid health update with fans Sunday, disclosing that heavy nicotine vaping caused lasting changes to the sound of her voice.
The 34-year-old singer and actress took to her Instagram Story on Oct. 18 to address her vocal delivery directly, Billboard reported. In the video, Gomez confirmed that she has quit electronic cigarettes and urged her followers never to take up the habit.
“I’m not gonna be able to change my voice,” Gomez said, according to Billboard. “I vaped nicotine a lot … Nicotine is so hard to quit, and I think I just wanted to say, if you’re going through it, or if you’re even trying to vape, it’s just not worth it. It’s so stupid, and it’s changed my voice.”
Gomez acknowledged that listeners have noticed her raspier tone in recent years, noting that anyone bothered by the shift does not need to tune in. “If you guys don’t like listening to my voice, that’s totally understandable,” she said, according to Vulture. “I don’t mind; just don’t listen.”
The performer celebrated walking away from electronic cigarettes and offered encouragement to other people fighting addiction. “I am really excited because I stopped, and I just hope I can keep it up,” she added, calling the cessation process difficult but achievable.
Addressing health rumors and speculation
The revelation addresses prolonged online chatter regarding Gomez’s voice. Many fans had previously assumed her altered sound was tied entirely to her chronic health conditions, Vulture reported. Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in 2012 and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017. The autoimmune condition can trigger bodily inflammation as well as vocal fatigue and hoarseness.
During an Instagram Live session in December, Gomez touched on the topic when fans asked about her vocal changes, though she avoided naming a specific cause at the time. OK! Magazine reported that she told viewers her throat occasionally swells from the inside.
Health organizations have long cautioned against the physical toll of electronic smoking devices. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common complications from vaping include nicotine addiction, lung scarring, asthma, chronic coughing, shortness of breath and severe mouth and throat irritation.
Musical shifts and upcoming roles
In addition to physical shifts in her vocal cords, Gomez’s musical catalog has transitioned into different styles over time. Her sound drifted toward softer bedroom-pop and R&B textures on her 2025 collaborative album with husband Benny Blanco, “I Said I Love You First,” Vulture reported.
Alongside music, Gomez has directed much of her focus toward her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, and major acting projects such as the movie “Emilia Pérez.” Her comedy series “Only Murders in the Building” is scheduled to return for its London-set sixth season on Dec. 8 on Hulu.
While it remains uncertain whether her vocal cords will regain any former range following her decision to stop vaping, Gomez emphasized that staying free of nicotine remains her immediate personal goal.
