Benny Blanco on ‘Fever Dream’ Career, New Book, Selena Gomez
08:44
Record producer Benny Blanco seems to have cracked the code for success in many aspects of life, including romance.
In a conversation with host Willie Geist on TODAY’s Sunday Sitdown, Blanco shared how he won over his wife, actor and singer Selena Gomez.
“Men, listen up. Okay, first of all, I gotta be the poster child for the guy you gotta listen to. Look at me,” Blanco said between laughs. “I have the most beautiful wife in the world. I did it and I didn’t use black magic or anything. I just was nice.”
Blanco expanded on his relationship philosophy and what he’s learned from Gomez, with whom he collaborated with for years on tracks like “Same Old Love” and “Single Soon.” The couple, who confirmed their relationship in 2023, tied the knot in September 2025.
“It’s understanding your partner, and being able to talk about things, and have an open dialogue,” he told Willie. “We’re in a really good spot, and I’m very fortunate. And I think, again, like, not being a d*** and being nice to people put her into my orbit at the right time.”
Blanco, who’s behind some of the biggest hits like Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” and Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” can add another highlight to his list of accomplishments. He spoke to Willie about his upcoming book “F*ck Failure,” which explores his mindset when it comes to turning adverse moments into achievements.
“I think a lot of people probably look at you and they’re like, ‘Huge success professionally. Great personal life. Seems happy, and charismatic, and all the things,’” Willie said. “So, what makes you an expert on failure?”
Blanco responded, describing himself as “the biggest failure in the world.”
“I’ve failed so many times,” Blanco said. “I failed yesterday. I finished a mix from one of my songs. I gave it to the artist. They didn’t like it. They wanted to redo something. And what am I gonna do, like, cry about it? No.”
Blanco said his book tells real stories about times he’s failed and how those experiences have helped him get to where he is today. He said hopes that readers won’t have to make all the same mistakes he did.
The producer credited his family helping him build his confidence. He also said that Ed Sheeran, who he’s worked with extensively on the singer’s hit album “Divide,” gave him valuable advice about attitude.
“I was talking with Ed Sheeran, and he said, ‘Don’t give people the opportunity to not wanna help you,’” Blanco shared. “Like, if somebody asks you to do something, and it’s seems really small, just do it. It takes so much energy to be a d***.”
Blanco has previously spoken about his relationship with Gomez. In May 2024, he joined TODAY With Hoda & Jenna and shared how his cooking helped steal the heart of his his now-wife.
“F*ck Failure” will be published by Simon & Schuster on Sept. 15.
