Disney Starlet Selena Gomez Leaving Hit Show

Actress looks to shift focus to more advanced acting and music

Some of "Wizards of Waverly Place's" magic is about to vanish.

While the choice to leave her series was a difficult one, Selena Gomez is excited about her upcoming projects, including a new album, a tour and two movies.

"Unfortunately, I'm doing my last season of my show, which I'm really heartbroken about," the 17-year-old actress told MTV while promoting her latest flick, "Ramona and Beezus."

Added Gomez, "That's gonna be a terrible time for me. I'm gonna do a movie for my show, which I'll be excited to end it with, and then a tour."

The Disney Channel show, which debuted in October, 2007, features Gomez as wizard in training Alex Russo. David Henrie and Jake T. Austin also star on the sitcom as Gomez's brothers, Justin and Max. The magically gifted siblings get into all kinds of misadventures as they try to hide their powers from the mortal world. Shooting for the show's fourth season is set to begin in August.

Aside from "Ramona and Beezus" and the "Wizards" movie sequel, which will mark her conclusion on the show, Gomez's other projects include the recently wrapped up "Monte Carlo," which also stars "Gossip Girl's" Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy of "Melrose Place" and "Glee's" Cory Monteith. The film is set for release in early 2011.

Gomez's second album is due for release later this year.

"The title so far of my album, I mean, I'm hoping it will stick is 'A Year Without Rain'," Gomez said. "I think if anything the lyrics are powerful in a way."

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