American Music Awards: Selena Gomez makes emotional speech

Pop star Selena Gomez has used an emotional speech at the American Music Awards to reveal how depression left her “absolutely broken inside”.

The 24-year-old was making her first public appearance since August, when she called off her world tour to deal with anxiety and depression stemming from the auto immune disease Lupus.

She spoke as after winning the award for favourite rock/pop female artist.

“I kept it all together enough to where I would never let you down,” she said.

“But I kept it too much together to where I let myself down. I had to stop, because I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside.

“I don’t want to see your bodies on Instagram,” she said, indicating her heart. “I want to see what’s in here.

“I’m not trying to get validation, nor do I need it any more. All I can say is I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to share what I love every day with people that I love.

“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. That’s one thing you should know about me – I care about people. And this is for you.”

Fellow singers applauded Gomez for her remarks, with Hailee Steinfeld embracing the singer as she left the stage.

Lady Gaga broke down in tears, while Taylor Swift – who did not attend the show – shared a video in which she yelled with pride at her television.