Selena Gomez was awarded Billboard's Woman of the Year award last night in Los Angeles. She arrived with best friend and kidney donor Francia Raisa on the pink carpet, wearing a Grease Sandy-esque Versace black jumpsuit.
And while she sidestepped a Justin Bieber question during her official carpet interview, Gomez got very emotional on stage when she gave a heartfelt speech about what it's been like to have her platform, speak out, and watch other women who have come forward with their sexual harassment and assault stories.
"I've never felt this proud to be a woman in the industry than I do today," she said. "And that's because I actually feel comfortable with every single women that has encouraged me about how crucial it is that the voices that are being heard for the first time is so great. And I'm so grateful for all the older women who have lifted all of us up because I couldn't be here without any of you so thank you for all of you that have inspired so many girls who don't feel like they have a voice."
Below, her full speech:
Thank you guys so much. To be honest, I think Francia should be getting this award because she saved my life. Sorry. [Starts to cry] All right, all right, okay. I feel incredibly lucky because I was very confused to feel like if I said too much, maybe I wasn't doing enough and honestly, I couldn't be more grateful for the position that I've been given in my career from seven to 14 to now. I want people to know that I respect the platform that I have so deeply because I knew that I wanted to be a part of something great, and I want people to feel great because I love people. But specifically this year, I would like to thank my amazing team and my family 'cause they stuck with me through some really hard times. And I got to do a lot this year even though I had a couple of other things to do, but I feel like for me with my music, I've really been able to illustrate the things that I want and I'm reminded by a team of people who believe in me even when I don't myself and I couldn't be luckier but I don't feel more proud—I've never felt this proud to be a woman in the industry than I do today. And that's because I actually feel comfortable with every single women that has encouraged me about how crucial it is that the voices that are being heard for the first time is so great. And I'm so grateful for all the older women who have lifted all of us up because I couldn't be here without any of you so thank you for all of you that have inspired so many girls who don't feel like they have a voice. I am very very lucky, I love you, guys. And thank you Billboard, thank you to my team and my four-year-old sister Gracie. I love you. And thank you to these beautiful women [motioning to Elle Fanning and Francia Raisa behind her]. I don't know how I'll ever repay it, but maybe I'll make an epic album next year for you guys and everyone else.
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
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