Selena Gomez Defines What Success Means To Her, Realizes Her Voice Matters

Selena Gomez shared her definition of success and how she felt after being named as one of the Leading Ladies of Entertainment.

Gomez spoke with Entertainment Tonight for the Latin Recording Academy's 2020 Leading Ladies of Entertainment preview. During the conversation, the "Boyfriend" singer shared what success means to her, and it has something to do with her voice and how she connects people.

"I've always felt my heart was in the right place when it came to the issues that mattered, but over the last several years I have taken the time to educate myself and understand that my voice does matter. All of our voices matter," Gomez said.

"It does feel amazing but I think what really defines success is seeing how people connect to a song or a movie or a TV show. It might have a positive impact on someone's life," she continued.

"Everyone has this right to be seen and visibility and representation are vital to the process of articulating our identities."

Gomez joined Gloria Martinez, Angela N. Martinez and Maria Elena Salinas as the Leading Ladies of Entertainment in 2020. The event is part of the initiative of the Latin GRAMMY Week celebrations that honor and recognize the professionals and socially conscious women in the arts and entertainment industry who have made significant contributions and inspired the future female leaders.

"To be included with these other women who continue to push boundaries means the world to me. As Latinas, it's important we understand how much potential we have to be the change makers," Gomez said.

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment will be honored through a virtual ceremony on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. People can stream the event live on Facebook.

In October, Gomez also received the Hispanic Heritage Arts award. In her acceptance speech, the "Ice Cream" singer expressed her gratitude for the recognition and said she hopes to inspire more people to believe and realize their dreams.

"I want to continue knowing that just because of who I am, and just because of the hard work I do, I hope that it just inspires so many people to continue to believe in their dreams, believe that they're capable, that they can -- no matter what," she said.