In Passionate AMA Speech, Selena Gomez Shares a Message for Anyone Who Feels Broken

At Sunday night’s 2016 American Music Awards, Selena Gomez had a message for anyone who feels broken: “If you’re broken, you don’t have to stay broken.”

Gomez won this year’s award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist. In a tear-jerking acceptance speech (you can watch below), she said:

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 that most of you know a lot of my life whether I liked it or not, and I had to stop because I had everything, and I was absolutely broken inside. And 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. I don’t want to see your bodies on Instagram. I want to see what’s in here (points to heart). I’m not trying to get validation, nor do I need it anymore. All I can say from the bottom of my heart is I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be able to share what I love every single day with people that I love. And I have to say thank you so much to my fans because you guys are so damn loyal, and I don’t know what I did to deserve you. But if you are 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, and thank you so much for this, this is for you. Thank you.

Selena Gomez winning her award and her beautiful acceptance speech #AMAs pic.twitter.com/woIh4CaceP

— Selena Gomez News (@SelenaHQ) November 21, 2016

This was Gomez’s first public statement since checking into a rehab facility in Tennessee in October to manage the anxiety and depression her lupus has caused her. The pop star has been open about both her chronic and mental conditions, encouraging her millions of fans to feel comfortable in admitting they need help.

We love you so much, @selenagomez ❤ #AMAs pic.twitter.com/DEcKOyD51m

— AMAs (@AMAs) November 21, 2016