Most 17-year-olds count their “firsts” the usual way, such as a first kiss or a first car.

Though Selena Gomez enjoys cheerleading, skateboarding and surfing, she is far from the typical teen. Her “firsts” include singing at the Stock Show & Rodeo on Sunday after the 1 p.m. rodeo session.

The concert follows her first album, “Kiss and Tell,” a pop project that landed at No. 9 on the Billboard chart and scored the hits “Falling Down” and “Naturally.”

Gomez's success, of course, was buoyed her acting career, which began at 7 as Gianna on the children's TV show “Barney & Friends.” Other roles followed on “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “Hannah Montana.”

Known for her big smile and Converse tennis shoes, Gomez won fame as Alex Russo in the Disney series “Wizards of Waverly Place.” She also sings the theme song for the magical series.

She's already a film star, with leads in last summer's “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” and “Princess Protection Program.” The latter features Demi Lovato, her real-life best friend.

As a singer, Gomez broke the teen-pop mold. Instead of singing about puppy love, she tells off boyfriends and finds new love in bold ways.

“‘Kiss & Tell' is a work of near-genius modern pop that shows off Gomez's light but surprisingly soulful vocals,” says a Billboard review.

Born in New York and named for the late Tejano superstar, Gomez grew up in Grand Prairie.

Last year she served as the youngest ambassador for UNICEF.

John Goodspeed