Austin Mahone denies dating Selena Gomez: 'She's awesome'

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Austin Mahone has stepped forward to deny rumors that he has coupled up with fellow singer Selena Gomez.

While talking to E! News about the rumors, the 17-year-old "What About Love" singer explained that he was "definitely not" dating the "Come and Get It" star.

"We're just close friends. She's awesome. Very talented, sweet girl," he added.

Rumors that Mahone was dating Justin Bieber's ex began Wednesday as an alleged insider claimed the two were set up by their mutual friend Taylor Swift.

"It's pretty crazy," Mahone said of the media attention he's been getting. "Like I just woke up and they're like, 'Oh yeah by the way they say you're dating Selena Gomez. 'Like what?! That's the most random thing ever."

While the accusations aren't really that random -- Mahone and Gomez have been seen spending one-on-one time together in the past -- the Spring Breakers actress has been spotted around hanging out exclusively with her girlfriends over the past week.

Last Thursday Gomez was photographed leaving a convenience store with a pack of cigarettes following her ex's Miami arrest.

[E! News]