Benny Blanco, a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, surprised his fiancée's hometown of Grand Prairie on Friday to promote his upcoming collaborative album with Gomez and visit her favorite childhood dessert spot, Tastee Ice Snow Cone.
Born in 1992, Gomez was raised in Grand Prairie and credits the city for establishing her work ethic. She frequently visits family in the area and interacts with fans. The Oscar nominee has regularly mentioned Tastee Ice in previous interviews.
Although Gomez wasn’t with him, Blanco provided fans with free snow cones, signed autographs and took photos while discussing the couple’s new album, I Said I Love You First, which is set to be released March 21. Whether locals were excited to meet Blanco, take a chance to see Selena Gomez or grab some free food, they flooded the popular spot and shared the moment on social media.
“He signed my arm,” wrote Leslie Vital on Facebook.
Naturally, fans caused a traffic jam in hopes of sharing a snow cone with Blanco. Naomi Molina of Arlington commented, “My kid had asked about traffic today. I joked and said, ‘Maybe Benny is here. And everyone is looking for Selena.’ Guess I was right. I knew he was here. Just didn’t know where.”
Gomez isn’t the only one in love with Tastee Ice. According to social media, it's a popular hangout for its snow cones and nachos. “My fave place for some nachos & a creamsicle cone, too. Awesome,” commented Chrissy Gomez of Grand Prairie, while Arlington’s Sara Alexandria wrote, “My fav raspa place, super affordable. If I would’ve known, I would be there too.”
The album I Said I Love You First celebrates the couple’s relationship. Its 14 tracks offer a personal reflection on love, and shared vulnerability and connection. The release features collaborations by award-winning artists Gracie Abrams, Tainy and J Balvin. The album’s single, “Sunset Blvd,” was inspired by their first date.
Gomez and Blanco became a couple in 2023 after years of friendship. Blanco asked Gomez to marry him in December 2024. They have not announced an official wedding date. While Gomez did not attend the meet-and-greet at Tastee Ice, many thought Blanco’s visit was great for the couple and for Grand Prairie.
“This was sweet of him to visit one of Selena’s favorite childhood places,” commented Vero Monte.
Janie Adhikari wrote, “That’s awesome!! Showing Grand Prairie some love!!”
Blanco's visit received mixed reactions on social media.
“I just want to know how he smelled tbh,” wrote Dallas’ Samantha Acosta on Facebook in reference to Blanco’s previous comments about his bathing routine. "I’m very intrigued by him not showering daily I think he said once a week don’t remember.”
Blanco became famous as a DJ in 2007, but Arlington’s Mike Morrison wrote on Visit Grand Prairie's Facebook post, “TBH, I never heard of this guy until he hooked up with Selena. "
He seems to have gained a few fans thanks to his romance with the megastar.
“I’m not gonna lie I’m a Benny Blanco fan now cuz of how sweet he is to Selena,” wrote Marie Lu of Fort Worth.
On Monday afternoon, Blanco posted a photo on his Instagram Story with Gomez, lounging in bed, captioning it “#12daysofreallyrarestuff.”
