The Marías Reveal for a ‘Special’ Collaboration With Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards turned out to be a historic night for The Marías, the bilingual indie-pop band known for blending dreamy vocals, jazz influences, and alternative pop elements. For the first time in their career, the group earned a VMA nomination, a milestone they described as “surreal” and “validating” during their red-carpet chat with ET’s Denny Directo.

But their nomination wasn’t the only reason the night felt special. The Marías also opened up about one of the most exciting projects of their career to date — their collaboration with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco on the track “Ojos Tristes.” According to the band, the experience was more than just a studio session. It was an artistic exchange filled with mutual admiration, creativity, and cultural pride.

How “Ojos Tristes” Came Together

The song “Ojos Tristes” — which translates to “Sad Eyes” in English — is a deeply emotional track that blends The Marías’ signature ethereal production with Benny Blanco’s pop craftsmanship and Selena Gomez’s vulnerable vocal delivery. The collaboration was born out of conversations about bridging cultures through music.

“We wanted something that felt authentic but also experimental,” the band shared at the VMAs. “Working with Selena and Benny made that possible. They brought an energy to the studio that pushed us to new creative places.”

The Marías emphasized that the song didn’t just emerge from a scheduled studio day. Instead, it grew organically from conversations about identity, language, and emotional storytelling. Gomez, who often incorporates her Mexican heritage into her artistry, found the collaboration especially meaningful, as it allowed her to fully embrace her Spanish-speaking roots in a way that resonated with international audiences.

Why the Collaboration Is “Special”

When asked why they considered the partnership so “special,” The Marías pointed to two main reasons:

1. Cultural Representation: All three acts share a deep connection to Latin roots, and bringing those influences to a global platform felt significant. “It’s not just about making a hit,” they explained. “It’s about representing who we are and where we come from.”

2. Creative Balance: The collaboration blended distinct styles. The Marías’ atmospheric, dreamlike sound met Blanco’s mainstream pop instincts, while Gomez provided emotional storytelling that tied everything together. “The chemistry was undeniable,” they added. “Everyone contributed equally, and that’s rare in collaborations.”

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s Influence

While The Marías are known for their indie authenticity, teaming up with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco gave “Ojos Tristes” a broader reach. Gomez brought her star power and emotional vulnerability, while Blanco, one of the most influential producers in modern pop, brought technical precision and a knack for creating timeless hooks.

“Selena was so intentional with every lyric,” the band revealed. “She wanted it to feel honest, to really connect with people who have experienced heartbreak.”

Blanco, meanwhile, encouraged experimentation. According to The Marías, he pushed the band to step outside of their comfort zone, layering their signature dreamy instrumentals with more direct pop beats. “Benny is a genius in the studio,” they said. “He knows how to take a raw idea and polish it without losing its soul.”

The Song’s Impact on Fans

Released earlier in 2025, “Ojos Tristes” quickly became a fan favorite. It resonated particularly strongly with bilingual audiences who felt seen and heard in the lyrics. The song climbed both Billboard’s Latin charts and mainstream pop rankings, further proving the global appetite for authentic, cross-cultural music.

Fans have taken to social media to praise the collaboration:

• “This track feels like therapy. Selena’s voice, The Marías’ vibe, and Benny’s production — perfection.”

• “Finally, a song that represents our culture in a modern, dreamy way.”

• “The Marías deserve all the recognition for bringing something so unique to pop music.”

The Marías’ Career Milestone

For The Marías, collaborating with globally recognized figures like Gomez and Blanco marks a major turning point. The band has long been praised for their artistry within indie and alternative spaces, but “Ojos Tristes” introduced them to an even wider audience.

“This is what we’ve worked for,” they said. “Not just the fame, but the chance to connect with people who might never have heard our music otherwise.”

The VMA nomination only further validated their growing impact. While they didn’t take home the trophy, being nominated alongside some of the biggest names in music symbolized how far they’ve come since their early days performing in small Los Angeles venues.

The Importance of Bilingual Music in Today’s Industry

One of the most striking aspects of “Ojos Tristes” is its commitment to bilingual storytelling. The track switches seamlessly between Spanish and English, reflecting the real-life experiences of millions of listeners worldwide.

The Marías pointed out that the success of the song demonstrates how mainstream audiences are ready for more bilingual and multicultural content. “Music is universal,” they said. “When people feel something, it doesn’t matter what language it’s in.”

This approach mirrors recent trends in global music, where Latin artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Rosalía have crossed over into mainstream pop without compromising their linguistic identity. With Selena Gomez lending her voice and platform to this cultural movement, the collaboration only strengthens the case for greater inclusivity in pop music.

What’s Next for The Marías

Looking ahead, The Marías are eager to build on the momentum of their collaboration with Gomez and Blanco. They hinted at more experimental projects in the works, possibly continuing to blur the lines between indie authenticity and mainstream pop accessibility.

“We don’t want to box ourselves in,” they explained. “This collaboration opened new doors for us creatively, and we want to keep exploring that space.”

The band also plans to embark on a world tour in 2027, with “Ojos Tristes” likely to become one of the most anticipated songs in their live setlists. Fans can expect a mix of their classic tracks and newer collaborations that highlight their versatility and global reach.

Conclusion: A Collaboration That Redefines Modern Pop

The Marías’ collaboration with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco on “Ojos Tristes” is more than just another single in the streaming era. It’s a cultural moment that blends artistry, representation, and mainstream appeal in a way few tracks manage.

From their first VMA nomination to their growing recognition on global charts, The Marías are stepping into a new era of visibility. For Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, the partnership underscores their ability to elevate and support emerging talent while still pushing the boundaries of their own artistry.

As The Marías continue to ride this wave of success, one thing is clear: “Ojos Tristes” will be remembered as a defining moment in 2026 music history — a song that not only brought artists together but also brought fans closer to the heart of what music can do.