'I was absolutely broken inside': Selena Gomez gives tearful AMAs acceptance speech as she makes brave comeback after rehab stint
- Selena Gomez made her first public appearance since entering a rehab facility on Sunday night at the American Music Awards
- The 24-year-old, who wore a red Prada gown for the event, picked up the award for favorite female pop/rock artist
- Selena told the audience that she was 'broken inside' when she decided to enter rehab for help with 'anxiety, panic attacks and depression'
- It was the second time she had entered rehab, checking in to a facility in 2014 with the same issues, which she believes are caused by her lupus
- Selena said that she had been spending too much time focusing on trying to make other people happy and not focusing on herself
- She also said that social media was toxic, three months after she stopped posting on her Instagram account, which has 103million followers
Selena Gomez welled up with tears as she spoke about her battle with anxiety and depression while on stage at the American Music Awards on Sunday.
Picking up the award for favorite female pop/rock artist, the 24-year-old star gave a moving speech about the health issues which caused her to seek treatment and take a break from showbiz earlier this year.
Selena bravely addressed the crowd at the Microsoft Theater in LA saying: 'In 2014 this stage was actually the first time that I was authentically 100% honest with all of you,
'I think it's safe to say most of you know a lot of my life whether I liked it or not. I had to stop, I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside,' she continued as her voice shook with emotion.
The singer's poignant and powerful words come three months after she revealed that due to her struggles with 'anxiety, panic attacks and depression' she would be cancelling her world tour to focus on her mental and physical health.
Selena said that her issues were the result of her struggle with lupus, the chronic autoimmune disease that also led her to check in to rehab back in 2014 at The Meadows in Arizona.
This time around she chose to receive treatment at a woman's only facility just outside Nashville, where she completed her program earlier this month.
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Moving: Selena Gomez bravely talked about her struggle with depression as she accepted an award at Sunday's American Music Awards in LA
The Same Old Love hitmaker admitted that part of her problem had been working too hard to please everyone.
'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,'.
The songstress then reflected on social media culture and said she no longer seeks that type of validation.
'I don't wanna see your bodies on Instagram, I wanna see what's in here,' the actress said while motioning to her heart.
'I'm not trying to get validation nor do I need it anymore. All I can say is that from the bottom of my heart I'm so grateful to be able to share what I love every single day with the people that I love.
In the incredibly honest and emotional speech Selena explained: 'I had to stop, I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside,'
'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'
'You guys are so damn loyal and I don't know what I did to deserve you.'
She concluded her speech saying, 'If you're broken, you do not have to stay broken,
'And if that's anything, whether you respect me or not, that's one thing you should know about me, is that I care about people.'
As the audience cheered for the star the camera panned to Lady Gaga who was stood in the crowd and appeared to be overcome with pride for her pal.
'You guys are so damn loyal and I don't know what I did to deserve you.' the star told the crowd
'I don't wanna see your bodies on Instagram': Selena also commented on people's need for validation and said that she doesn't need it anymore
Taking centre-stage: She looked dignified as she stepped onto the arena
All smiles: As the camera panned to the audience Lady Gaga appeared to be overcome with pride for her pal
Emotional: The 30-year-old Grammy-winner was clearly rooting for Selena
Lots of love: The ladies hugged it out backstage as Gaga shared a sweet message about her friend
Sunday was a triumphant return to the spotlight for Selena who has taken a three-month hiatus from her career to focus on her health.
The songstress looked radiant as she arrived at the event in a scarlet Prada gown.
No doubt she was pleased that she wouldn't have to face bumping into her ex Justin Bieber, as his performance at the event took place via satellite.
Bieber, 22, is currently circling the globe for his Purpose tour, which will be in Zurich, Switzerland Sunday.
Bestie love: Selena's pal Taylor Swift showed her support with some Snapchats
Support: The singer was watching every moment from home and captioned the clips 'baby'
Brave: The ceremony was Selena's first public appearance since checking into rehab over the summer for treatment for depression
Back in the spotlight: Selena wowed on the red carpet wearing a scarlet Prada gown
Matching the carpet: The singer wore a dramatic red gown for the showpiece occasion
Selena checked into a facility in Nashville, Tennessee, to 'focus on her mental health' in September.
She explained she was taking some time off after suffering from 'anxiety, panic attacks and depression' because of her lupus condition.
A source close to the singer told Us Weekly magazine at the time: 'Selena is dealing with lupus, but this break is to focus on her mental health. She can go to a very dark place.'
Lady in red: The 24-year-old looked radiant after months away from the public eye
Flawless: She looked impeccable as her natural beauty shone throw thanks to neutral makeup
Sea of silk: Selena was ensconced in a luxurious gown made from the finest of fabrics
The Good For You hitmaker has spent the last few months recovering at the treatment facility, which is described as a 'private and quiet place', but 'super intense'.
Selena went to rehab for the first time in 2014 after undergoing chemotherapy to combat the chronic autoimmune disease in 2013.
A music industry source added: 'She was supposed to be recording, but she hasn't told anyone when she'll be back in studio.'
In August, Selena cancelled the remaining 34 dates on her Revival Tour to maintain her 'health and happiness' and manage the side effects of lupus.
In good health: The busty Latina lovely seemed to be having a great time at the event
Belle of the ball: She looked stunning in the scarlet gown as she took a seat
Stealing the limelight: Selena turned heads in the vibrant hued creation
Giving her support: Ariana Grande held out an affectionate hand as she passed by Selena
On a different continent: Selena's ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber was performing via satellite so there was no worry of there being an awkward run-in
Doing his thing: Bieber, 22, is currently circling the globe for his Purpose tour and performed in Zurich on Sunday
Busting a move: The star put on an energetic performance of Let Me Love You
She said at the time: 'As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways.
'I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.
'I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.
Gomez is seen while taking cigarette break from Tennessee rehab center on October 18
Fan love: Selena stopped to pose for selfies as she made her way into the event
Lovely threesome: She puckered her lips as she posed up with her fellow beauties
'Thank you to all my fans for your support. You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best.
' I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues.'
Selena confirmed she was suffering from lupus last year.
Led by the hand: A helpful lackey showed the singer where to stand on the red carpet
She can take it from here: The confident performer soon took charge of the thrilling moment
What a pro: She made it look easy as she stood still for the excited photographers