Why Selena Gomez Wasn't at Billboard Latin Women in Music Awards
Selena Gomez is feeling the same old love—even if she couldn’t make it to the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music awards ceremony.
Though the "Hands to Myself" singer was unable to attend the April 24 affair in person due to her filming schedule in New York, she did make a cameo while being honored as Woman of the Year. In a video message, Selena—who is engaged to music producer Benny Blanco—shared her gratitude.
"I have been working most of my life and to be seen, supported and celebrated by women who share our roots is truly, truly powerful," she said in the video. "Growing up, I was extremely proud of my Mexican heritage. I didn't see a lot of women who look like me at the center of the story or on stage. Oh, and it was just rare. Our stories, our voices and our cultures deserve to be celebrated."
Selena added of her 2021 album Revelación, "Not only did it give me another opportunity to highlight my culture, but also I knew it would make my abuela very proud."
"Finally, to my fans, I could ever say it enough," she said. "Thank you, thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I love you all."
But this isn't her first time receiving the prestigious title. The 32-year-old was named Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music event in 2017, just months after undergoing a kidney transplant due to her struggles with lupus.
At the time, Selena was joined by pal and kidney donor Francia Raísa.
"I think Francia should be getting this award because she saved my life," the Disney Channel alum tearfully shared, before referencing the "really hard times" she experienced in her health journey. "I got to do a lot this year, even though I had a couple of other things to do."
Describing herself as "incredibly lucky," Selena went on to acknowledge all the other women in her life who helped her get to where she was.
"I've never felt this proud to be a woman in the industry than I do today," she shared at the time, "and that's because I actually feel comfortable with every single woman that has encouraged me."
The Rare Beauty founder added, "I'm so grateful for all the older women who have lifted all of us up because I couldn't be here without any of you."
This year, Anitta received Billboard Latin Women in Music's Vanguard Award, while the late Celia Cruz—lovingly known as the Queen of Salsa—was posthumously bestowed the Legend Award.
Other honorees included Belinda for the Evolution Award, Chiquis for the Impact Award, Ha*Ash for the Unbreakable Award, Natti Natasha for the Unstoppable Artist Award and Olga Tañón for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
To see Selena's evolution through the years, keep reading...
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