Selena Gomez wins Billboard's 'Woman of the Year' award

CAIRO – 1 December 2017: Selena Gomez was awarded “Woman of the Year” at the Billboard Women in Music 2017, capping off an eventful year for the 25-year-old actress and musician.

Gomez has been quite busy this year, producing her own Netflix TV series, “13 Reasons Why,” in addition to releasing several hit songs. She also raised awareness for Lupus, the chronic health disease she was diagnosed with in 2013.

The ceremony was introduced by actress Elle Fanning, who is set to co-star alongside Gomez in a new Woody Allen film and was quoted by Billboard in praising her co-stars strength; "It's rare to find someone who uses their trials and tribulations to make everyone else stronger."

Also present at the ceremony was actress and close friend Francia Raisa, who donated a kidney to Gomez earlier this year, and presented her with the award. Near tears, Gomez gave a speech expressing her gratitude and joy according to Billboard, celebrating her life and the people in it.

“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."

She continued, adding that, “Specifically this year, I would like to thank my amazing team and my family because they stuck with me through some really hard times.”

Gomez then honored women who came before her and gave personal thanks to Raisa and Fanning, adding that she hoped she could make an “epic album” next year.