Nathan Sykes Reveals He Was Interested in Dating Selena Gomez Before Ariana Grande

The Wanted singer says he "always liked" Justin Bieber's ex-girlfriend

By Zach Johnson Oct 02, 2013 11:57 AMTags
Ariana Grande, Nathan Sykes, Selena GomezJeffrey Mayer/WireImage, Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Jingle Ball 2012, Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Nathan Sykes seems to have a thing for brunette pop stars. Before The Wanted singer confirmed he's dating Nickelodeon's Ariana Grande late last month, he was interested in dating Disney Channel alum Selena Gomez. Speaking to We Love Pop magazine (via MTV UK), the boy bander opened up about his past crush on the "Come & Get It" singer.

"[Max George] follows someone on Twitter, then he is in the tabloids saying he is in a relationship. I started following the Selena Gomez and nothing," Sykes said. "Where is my relationship?!"

Sykes, 20, never pursued Gomez, 21, because of his friendship with her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber, 19. "To be honest, I always liked Selena, but I really did not want to go that side because Justin would kill me!" he explained. "I would probably receive a call from [mutual manager Scooter Braun] telling me to stay away!"

Even so, that didn't stop the English singer from gawking at the Spring Breakers star when he spotted her at a Justin Timberlake concert. "I must have looked like a complete idiot. My friends were like, 'Just say hi,' but I could not even talk to her!" Sykes recalls. "But that's how I am. I'm very, very nervous around girls that I really like. I need to improve my game."

It appears he improved his game enough to impress Grande, 20. Late last month, the couple confirmed their courtship via Twitter. "we hesitated saying anything as people can be a bit insensitive but thank u," the Sam & Cat star tweeted. "we value all of your happiness, thank you for valuing ours."

Ironically, Grande was linked to Bieber after she posted a picture of the "Boyfriend" singer kissing her cheek. "The Way" singer quickly shot down romance rumors, tweeting, "Everyone, girls are allowed to be friends with guys. I'm a lady.Chill out."