Selena Gomez returned to the public eye in a big way at last night's (November 20) American Music Awards, and her Favorite Female Artist acceptance speech — which spoke to recovery from brokenness — left fans and fellow stars dumbstruck.

After taking the stage having beat out the likes of Adele and Rihanna, Gomez explained that she'd felt defeated recently, but that the tough road has helped her learn how to harness strength.

Gomez first said in August that she was temporarily stepping out of the limelight to address health issues, and reportedly reentered rehab in October.

"I had to stop, because I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside," Gomez said. "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...If you are broken, you do not have to stay broken."

Fellow stars like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga shared their awe with Gomez's words and her bravely honest story, while Niall Horan offered words of support on Monday ("young woman"? You're younger than her, Niall!) and reportedly backstage as well.

Gomez's August statement included admission that she'd been suffering through complications from lupus, and was learning to cope with things like anxiety and panic.

“As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways. I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges..I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off,” she said.

Watch Gomez's speech again above, and tell us what you thought of the sentiment in the comments.

See the Stars Shine on the 2016 American Music Awards Red Carpet:

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