Selena Gomez has paid a glowing tribute to her long-time friend Christina Grimmie.
The 23-year-old pop star used the Miami stop of her Revival World Tour to speak of her love and affection for Christina, who was killed by a gunman following her concert performance in Orlando, Florida, on Friday (10.06.16).
Selena said: "When she was 14, we met her and my parents and I signed her.
"One thing about Christina and her family is that she holds her faith so closely to her. And I think it’s not about a religion and it’s not about anything or good deeds.
"It’s just that she had faith, and I don’t really understand how this really happened, but I would like to dedicate this next song to her."
Meanwhile, Selena’s stepfather Brian Teefey, who was also Christina’s manager, earlier spoke about his heartbreak on hearing the tragic news.
In a statement, he told People: "Words cannot begin to describe the pain I am feeling.
"I learned this business through the eyes of a father and Christina was like a second daughter to me."
Christina’s killer has been named as Kevin James Loibl, 27, from St. Petersburg, Florida, who police believe travelled to the concert with the intention of killing the singer.
Christina – who is known for her appearances on the US version of ‘The Voice’ – opened for the band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live in Orlando.
She stayed on afterwards to sign autographs for fans when the attacker – who was carrying two handguns, two loaded magazines and a hunting knife – approached her and opened fire.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said it was likely the man was a deranged fan and that Christina did not know him.
He explained: "That would be speculation, but that’s what it’s looking like.
"There’s no indication that he knew her, we’re looking into that to try and find a motive for the crime."
Selena Gomez pays tribute to Christina Grimmie
