Billboard Honors Women

Dec 1, 2017 | 5:30 AM

At a gala in Los Angeles last night, Selena Gomez was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year. She also is the cover star of the latest issue of the publication, in which she talks about her life right now, including changes in her love life and her body.

Following her kidney transplant earlier this year, Selena says, “I just kept thinking about how much my body is my own. Ever since I was seven, my life always felt like I was giving it to someone else…[but after the surgery] I had this sense of gratitude for myself.”

As for the scar from the operation, Selena says, “It was really hard in the beginning.” But, she adds, “When I look at my body now, I just see life.”

As for the rest of her, Selena says there are “a million things I can do” to improve her appearance, but adds that for now, she’s “OK” with how she looks. ” I don’t have perfect abs, but I feel like I’m wonderfully made,” she explains. However, she says there’s “nothing wrong” with plastic surgery.

On the romance side, Selena says that she and her former boyfriend The Weeknd, have a “true friendship,” adding that they ended their relationship “as best friends.” As for letting Justin Bieber back into her life, she explains, “I’m 25. I’m not 18, or 19, or 20. I cherish people who have really impacted my life. So maybe before, it could have been forcing something that wasn’t right. But that doesn’t mean caring for someone ever goes away.”

On the topic of sexual harassment, Selena says she’s never personally experienced it, but adds, “I definitely feel hopeful” that changes will be made thanks to those brave women who’ve spoken out about it.

Other highlights from the event:

Kelly Clarkson was honored as this year’s Powerhouse. When asked what the term “powerhouse” meant to her, Clarkson said with a laugh: “I guess it’s someone who walks into a room and, like them or hate them, they’re here!” The singer shared why she isn’t too afraid to get political, especially in the current climate. “I feel like, for me personally, it’s important to be involved and it’s important to show my fans to be involved. You should stand for something.”

Camila Cabello was honored as Billboard’s Breakthrough Artist. She kicked off the show with a stripped down performance of her highest-charting solo hit “Havana.” Following the performance, Diplo presented her with the award, which she accepted with a heart-warming speech that praised her mom. “The only reason I’m standing on this stage and on this soil in this country is because of one woman, my mom… thank you to the woman of life.” She proceeded to recall how her mom tells her, “the only way to live life is to live it intensely” and concluded by saying, “I have the most incredible example of what it means to be a woman… this is for my mom.”

CHECK IT OUT

Full Story: Billboard

See Selena’s Red Carpet Interview:

Selena Gomez Accepts Woman of the Year Award:

Camila Cabello Performs “Havana”:

Grace Vanderwaal Performs “Moonlight”:

Kelly Clarkson Performs :Meaning of Life”:

Kehlani Performs “Honey”:

Camila Cabello Thanks Her Mom In Breakthrough Artist Acceptance Speech:

Kelly Clarkson Accepts Powerhouse Award:

Camila Cabello On The Success Of ‘Havana’ & Her New Album: