Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco recently graced the popular YouTube show 'Hot Ones', where they not only took on the infamous challenge of spicy chicken wings but also promoted their new collaborative album, 'I Said I Love You First', released on March 21, 2025. The pair's chemistry was palpable, with fans tuning in to catch their charming banter and reactions to the heat.
In the episode, Gomez, who previously tackled the spicy wing challenge in 2019 on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', opened up about her creative process while working with Blanco. "I felt like I could tell him things that maybe I was feeling insecure about that I wouldn't feel like I could open [up] to any other producer that way, let alone a partner," she explained, highlighting their unique dynamic.
Blanco echoed her sentiments, noting how their relationship eased the process of collaboration, saying, "When you work with people sometimes you butt heads and I feel like every time one of us had a discrepancy on something, the other one was like 'okay yeah that's chill.'" This relaxed atmosphere allowed them to create music from a place of comfort and understanding.
Among the tracks featured on their new album, Gomez reflected on the unexpected success of her earlier hit, 'Lose You to Love Me', stating, "I don't think I've ever really cared until 'Lose You to Love Me'. I thought the song was gonna be hopefully relatable and beautiful and honest but I did not expect it to do what it did." This candid insight gives audiences a glimpse into her journey as an artist.
During the episode, Blanco humorously admitted that he wasn't always a fan of Taylor Swift until he began dating Gomez. "She did get me into [Swift's music]. I honestly didn’t know… before we started dating like obviously, I was aware of like Taylor Swift’s music but I wasn’t like a true Swiftie until I was with [Gomez]," he confessed. Gomez, proud of her friend's talents, remarked casually, "They’re timeless. What can I say?"
The couple's appearance was well-received, with viewers commenting on their effortless chemistry and playful interactions. Fans took to social media to share their reactions, with one user observing, "Selena acting like she just ran a marathon and doing everything in her power not to die and Benny acting like he just got introduced to a cool new drug and is having a fun trip is SENDING ME." Another fan praised their dynamic, stating, "He’s the yapper, constantly telling funny jokes and stories, and she’s the 'laid back', kind, and feeds off his energy."
Adding to the excitement, the episode aired at a time when a recall was issued for certain 'Hot Ones' sauces, raising eyebrows regarding safety concerns. A spokesperson for Heatonist, the company that produces these sauces, clarified, "To be clear: none of the hot sauce bottles used on the show were part of the limited batches subject to the recall." The recalled sauces included the Hot Ones Los Calientes Verde and Hot Ones Los Calientes Rojo, due to potential plastic contamination. The FDA had announced the recall on March 19, 2025, just two days prior to Gomez and Blanco's show appearance.
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of food safety, noting that they "identified nearly all of the affected bottles before they left our warehouse." As a result, the products in question were confined to a small number of bottles that may have reached limited retail partners. Unfortunately, over 50,000 bottles had already shipped across multiple states such as North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, raising concerns among consumers.
The ongoing recall underscored the importance of vigilance in food safety protocols, with the spokesperson further elaborating that the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences from the affected sauces is remote, leading to a Class II recall classification.
As the pair navigated the spicy challenges during their appearance, they exemplified a supportive relationship and left many feeling positive about their connection. The chemistry between Gomez and Blanco resonated loudly not just through their shared laughter but also in the intimacy of working creatively together, showcasing their growth as a couple.
In summary, the episode merged laughter, collaboration, and a notable album release with an amusing twist of kitchen safety hiccups, making it an unforgettable moment for fans. Viewers had their favorite moments, and one can only hope this isn’t the last we see of Gomez and Blanco in such a fun, candid setting.