Selena Gomez was an absolute vision in white when she hit the red carpet at the Unlikely Heroes “Recognizing Heroes” Dinner & Gala 2014, in a sleek Versace pantsuit.
The 22-year-old is the talk of the internet as her Justin Bieber-inspired single, “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” rises on charts, prompting fans’ chatter and media coverage about their recently-ended relationship.
But, on Saturday, Selena put that aside to lend her star power and present an award at the Unlikely Heroes’ third annual event, held at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
The event raised awareness and necessary funds for child victims of sex slavery and was hosted by The Secret Life Of The American Teenager’s Francia Raisa.
( Photo: Selena Gomez at the 2014 Unlikely Heroes Awards Dinner & Gala at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills, Saturday, November 8 .)
On the red carpet, Selena’s sophisticated white and gold pantsuit revealed just a hint of cleavage. The former Disney star completed her look wearing her brunette hair in a chic, low ponytail and side parting with dramatic, smoky make-up.
Later, the actress-singer took to the stage to present an award to Leah Albright-Byrd — a survivor-turned-activist in the fight against human trafficking, through the Bridget’s Dream organization which she founded.
Before the honoring, Selena gave a speech thanking Raisa and Erica Greve, the founder & CEO of Unlikely Heroes.
“I want to thank Francia,” she began. “As you guys know, she was the beautiful host and I want to thank her because she came to my house one day and she told me about Erica.”
“I’ve known Francia for a few years, and watching her grow emotionally and just who you are is so beautiful,” the starlet went on. “This meant so much to her. So me just being here and knowing what Erica has done, means beyond what I can just do to show up in a nice outfit.”
She added, “I really, really appreciate you guys being here. Thank you so much for being here for this organization.”
Other guests at the gala included R&B singer JoJo, Lincoln actor David Oyelowo, dancer and songwriter Kat DeLuna, actress Liana Liberato, actor-director Nolan Gerard Funk, and actress Serinda Swan.
Actor-turned-singer Jesse McCartney performed on the night.
Meanwhile, Selena’s emotional video for “The Heart Wants What It Wants” , which addresses her painful, and seemingly addictive, relationship with Justin, has attracted over 12 million views since its release on Thursday (November 6), and is making a big impact at radio.
On Friday, Vevo shared news that single is the No. 1 viewed video on its platform.
The songstress responded on social media on Friday, saying she is “beyond overwhelmed” with the support, then posted Instagram videos of fans homages.
Watching a bunch of videos y’all are sending me singing to “Heart”! You make me blush. Send me some to post por favor ??
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) November 9, 2014
“Loving these videos I’m getting,” Selena wrote by one Instagram. “Makes my heart melt,” she praised by another.
[ Images via Getty/FameFlyNet Pictures .]