Selena Gomez Congratulates Ex Justin Bieber on Career Comeback

Selena Gomez spoke to The New York Times on Thursday about her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber, applauding him for his recent career comeback.

When the 23-year-old actress and singer was asked about the 21-year-old "As Long As You Love Me" singer, she responded positively, holding him in high regard, according to People.

"While people were writing that I was stupid for being in it, this is what I always saw in him," she told the New York Times. "I'm like, duh!"

The couple began dating in 2011 and were in an on-again, off-again relationship until they decided to call it quits in 2014.

Gomez successfully channeled her heartbreak into inspiration when she released her 2014 single "The Heart Wants What It Wants." She also brought this same energy to a few of the tracks on her forthcoming album "Revival."

Earlier this month, Gomez also mentioned how she'd "forever support" and "love" Bieber in an interview with Elle. When asked if she would ever consider rekindling their flame, the singer didn't completely turn the idea down, answering, "I don't know!"

"Finding somebody is not my main focus," the singer told Elle. "I've dated people. I've been on a few dates, which is really exciting. But I've never wanted to get into anything serious, because I kind of did that. I have my guard up. I like to meet people in organic settings. Hanging out with a group of people and meeting through mutual people."

Before her time with Bieber, Gomez also dated Nick Jonas in 2008, after he broke up with Miley Cyrus.

"He is lovely," Gomez told Capital FM of Jonas. "I do have a love for him, for sure. That, to me, was like puppy love -- it was very sweet."

Gomez's second solo studio album, "Revival," will be released on Oct. 9. This album is the follow-up to her debut solo album, 2013's "Stars Dance." Prior to going solo. Gomez performed with her outfit Selena Gomez & the Scene. They released three albums, including 2009's "Kiss & Tell," 2010's "A Year Without Rain" and 2011's "When the Sun Goes Down."