Selena Gomez has paid a tearful tribute to the friend who saved her life while accepting the Woman of the Year award at Billboard's Women in Music 2017 event.
The 'Fetish' singer was presented the award by her best friend, actress Francia Raisa, who gave Gomez a kidney earlier this year to aid her in her battle against lupus.
- Selena Gomez opens up about depression, fame
- Selena Gomez reveals 'ultimate gift' kidney transplant in emotional post
In her speech, Gomez said: "To be honest, I think Francia should be getting this award."
After pausing, seemingly holding back tears, she continued: "I feel incredibly lucky. Honestly, I couldn't be more grateful for the position I've been given in my career.
"I want people to know I respect the platform that I have so deeply. Specifically this year, I would like to thank my amazing team and my family because they stuck with me through some really hard times. I got to do a lot this year, even though I had a couple of other things to do."
In a speech before giving Gomez the award, Raisa said she "didn't' think twice" about her decision.
"I was honoured, and if I was in the same situation, she wouldn't have thought twice about doing it for me. That's just who she is."
Gomez revealed on Instagram in September she had received a kidney transplant, explaining she had not been able to promote her music over the summer as, "I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health. I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon, my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you."
Newshub.
