Selena’s Emotional Win Causes Debate

By ELIZABETH VALENTIN

Arts Editor Selena Gomez was announced “Woman of the Year” by Billboard Magazine. Gomez was presented the award by her best friend Francia Raisa. Gomez accepted the award in tears, saying “To be honest, I think Francia should be getting this award because she saved my life.”

This award comes only months after Gomez needed an emergency kidney transplant due to complications with her lupus. Raisa discovered that she was a match for Gomez and volunteered to donate her kidney to her best friend. Gomez’s acceptance speech made the audience clearly emotional and viewers at home shared the same sentiment.

In an interview with Billboard after their surgery, Raisa said “I was just glad I was able to do. I’m glad I was a match. She’s standing here and being honored and I’ve seen her career continue to soar, it’s amazing.”

Gomez went on to explain her gratitude for the award and that she respects her platform. She mentioned that she feels lucky to have the career that she does. She thanked her team and her family for sticking with her through the difficult times that this year has sent her way.

Despite her life threatening medical problems, Gomez has managed to produce hit Netflix Original, “13 Reasons Why,” launch a Coach and Puma partnerships, raise over $500,000 for lupus research, in addition to releasing chart topping music.

Gomez also hinted at what is to come in 2018 in her speech, saying “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay it, but maybe I’ll make an epic album next year for you guys and everyone else.

While many people felt the emotion that came from her speech, there were also several people who took to Twitter to share their thoughts about her win.

Twitter user @alexandraamey said “I love Selena

Gomez but I truly do think Ariana Grande should’ve been named woman of the Year for billboard.”

Another user, @WantToBe__ said that she believed that the award should have gone to Taylor Swift, Kesha, or Ariana Grande. She explained that Swift and Kesha won sexual assault lawsuits and Grande produced One Love Manchester after the terror attacks that target her concert in that city.

While there are many people that share this sentiment, it is important to acknowledge the great presence that Gomez has had this year in pop culture, despite battling life threatening health issues.