Selena Gomez received the Woman of the Year honour at Billboard’s Women in Music Award 2017.
The 25-year-old singer was the recipient of one of the greatest titles at the star-studded ceremony, which took place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles on Thursday (30.11.17), and as she picked up the gong the ‘Fetish’ hitmaker admitted she is "proud" to be a female artist in the entertainment industry.
Speaking at the event, she said: "I couldn’t be more grateful for the position that I’ve been given in my career. I want people to know that I respect the platform that I have so deeply … I’ve never felt more proud to be a woman in this industry. I am so grateful for all the older women who have helped us up."
Although Selena was honoured to be awarded the title, she believes her friend Francia Raisa, who donated one of her kidney’s to the vocalist in a life-saving operation over the summer, which was needed as a result of her battle with Lupus – a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakingly attacks healthy tissue – is more deserving of the accolade because she "saved [her] life".
Selena – who was presented the award by actress Elle Fanning and Francia – continued: "To be honest, I think Francia should be getting this award because she saved my life. I would like to thank my amazing team and family because they stuck with me through some really hard times."
And Francia is "really honoured" for The ’13 Reasons Why’ executive producer at the ceremony.
Francia gushed to Billboard Online: "I’m really honoured to do this for her tonight. I was just glad I was able to do. I’m glad I was a match. She’s standing here and being honoured and I’ve seen her career continue to soar, it’s amazing."
Selena’s title has previously been picked up by Taylor Swift, as well as fellow musicians including, Beyonce, Pink and Fergie.
Although the ‘Bad Liar’ singer does not know how she can "repay" anyone after picking up the gong, she has vowed to create an "epic album" next year.
She concluded her speech: "I don’t know how I’ll ever repay it but maybe I’ll make an epic album next year."
Selena Gomez receives Woman of the Year award
