While much of the hype surrounding last night’s American Music Awards focused on celebrity outfit choices and Melania Trump impressions, Selena Gomez was responsible for injecting a much needed dose of authenticity into the event.
Having cancelled the remainder of her Revival World Tour in August to focus on her health, the Good For You singer gave an emotive speech while accepting the award for ‘Best Female Artist’.
“In 2014, this stage was actually the first time that I was authentically, 100 percent honest with all of you. I think it’s safe to say that most of you know a lot of my life whether I liked it or not,” the 24-year-old began.
“I had to stop because I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside,” she continued. “I kept it all together enough to where I would never let you down but I kept it too much together to where I let myself down.”
“I don’t want to see your bodies on Instagram. I want to see what’s in here [points to chest]. I’m not trying to get validation nor do I need it anymore.”
“All I can say from the bottom of my heart is I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to share what I love every single day with people that I love.”
Finishing in the same determined manner with which she had begun, the former Disney star said: “I have to say thank you so much to my fans because you guys are so damn loyal and I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
“If you are broken, you do not have to stay broken. If that’s anything whether you respect me or not that’s one thing you should know about me. I care about people. Thank you so much for this. This is for you.”
Selena’s impassioned words clearly had a moving effect on her star-studded audience, with a camera pan showing Lady Gaga in an almost tearful state.
She has been widely praised online for her honesty.
