What Happened to Benjamin Joseph Levin?
Benjamin Joseph Levin, known professionally as Benny Blanco, is an acclaimed American record producer, songwriter, music executive, and author. He rose to prominence by co-writing and producing numerous chart-topping hits for major artists, later transitioning to a successful career as a lead artist and founding his own labels. Most recently, Blanco married pop superstar Selena Gomez in September 2025 and is set to release his second book, "F*CK FAILURE," in September 2026.
Quick Answer
Benny Blanco, the prolific record producer and songwriter, continues to be a dominant force in the music industry. As of April 2026, he is married to singer Selena Gomez, whom he wed in September 2025, and they released a collaborative album, "I Said I Love You First," in March 2025. Blanco is also expanding his ventures beyond music, with his second book, "F*CK FAILURE," slated for release in September 2026, and the launch of the "Friends Keep Secrets" multimedia podcast in March 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born Benjamin Joseph Levin
Benjamin Joseph Levin, who would later become known as Benny Blanco, was born in Reston, Virginia.
Breakthrough as a Producer/Songwriter
Under the mentorship of Dr. Luke, Blanco co-produced major hits like Katy Perry's 'I Kissed a Girl' and Britney Spears' 'Circus,' marking his significant entry into the music industry.
Achieves Independent Chart Success
Blanco began producing charting hits independently, including Maroon 5's 'Moves Like Jagger' and Gym Class Heroes' 'Stereo Hearts,' solidifying his reputation.
Receives Hal David Starlight Award
Blanco was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, recognizing his early impact on music.
Founds Record Labels
He established two imprint labels, Mad Love Records and Friends Keep Secrets, under Interscope Records, signing various artists.
Releases Debut Single 'Eastside' as Lead Artist
Blanco released his first single as a lead artist, 'Eastside,' featuring Halsey and Khalid, which became a global hit. He also released his debut album, 'Friends Keep Secrets,' later that year.
Begins Dating Selena Gomez
Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez quietly began their romantic relationship, keeping it private for several months.
Relationship with Selena Gomez Confirmed Publicly
Selena Gomez publicly confirmed her relationship with Benny Blanco on Instagram, sharing photos and defending their romance.
Engaged to Selena Gomez
Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez announced their engagement, with Blanco proposing with a significant ring.
Releases Collaborative Album 'I Said I Love You First'
Blanco and Selena Gomez released their joint album, 'I Said I Love You First,' which symbolized the merging of their personal and creative worlds.
Marries Selena Gomez
Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in Santa Barbara, California.
Departs A&M Records General Manager Role
Blanco left his position as general manager for A&M Records, an imprint of Interscope, and was replaced by Gregg Nadel.
Releases New Songs with Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco released two new intimate pop songs, 'Desire' and 'Warmth,' further showcasing their musical collaboration.
Launches 'Friends Keep Secrets' Podcast
Blanco, along with Lil Dicky and Kristin Batalucco, created the multimedia podcast 'Friends Keep Secrets,' featuring celebrity guests.
Upcoming Book Release: 'F*CK FAILURE'
Benny Blanco is set to release his second book, 'F*CK FAILURE,' a guide to life and success, through Simon & Schuster.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Benjamin Joseph Levin, born on March 8, 1988, in Reston, Virginia, embarked on his musical journey at a young age, initially producing hip-hop instrumentals. His early talent caught the attention of industry figures, leading to a mentorship under renowned producer Dr. Luke. Under Dr. Luke's guidance, Blanco co-produced and co-wrote a string of massive hits from 2008 to the mid-2010s, including Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and "Teenage Dream," Kesha's "TiK ToK," and Britney Spears' "Circus."
By 2011, Blanco began achieving independent success, producing hits like Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" and Gym Class Heroes' "Stereo Hearts." His prolific output and ability to craft genre-spanning pop anthems quickly established him as one of the most sought-after hitmakers in contemporary music. He has collaborated with an extensive list of A-list artists, including Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Sia, The Weeknd, and BTS. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including five BMI Songwriter of the Year Awards, the 2017 iHeartRadio Producer of the Year Award, and eleven Grammy Award nominations. In 2013, he was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Beyond his production work, Blanco ventured into releasing music as a lead artist, dropping his debut single "Eastside" (with Halsey and Khalid) in 2018, which achieved global success. He also founded two imprint labels, Mad Love Records and Friends Keep Secrets, under Interscope Records in 2014, signing artists like Tory Lanez and Jessie Ware. Although these labels later dissolved, Blanco briefly served as a general manager for a relaunched A&M Records, an imprint of Interscope, until October 2025.
A significant development in Blanco's personal life began in June 2023 when he quietly started dating singer Selena Gomez. Their relationship became public in December 2023, and they announced their engagement in December 2024. The couple tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in Santa Barbara, California, on September 27, 2025. Professionally, their partnership extended to music, with the release of their collaborative album, "I Said I Love You First," in March 2025, which debuted at number one. They also released new songs "Desire" and "Warmth" in February 2026.
As of April 2026, Blanco continues to diversify his career. He co-created the "Friends Keep Secrets" multimedia podcast in March 2026, featuring guests like Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran. Furthermore, he is set to release his second book, "F*CK FAILURE," a guide to life and success, on September 15, 2026, through Simon & Schuster. His net worth is estimated at $50 million, a testament to his enduring success across various facets of the entertainment industry.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Benjamin Joseph Levin made different choices?