selena gomez

Why 2015 has gone as Selenas best year so far

Unless you lived under a rock in 2015, you know Selena Gomez  underwent a complete metamorphosis. She made jaws drop at every red carpet with her grown-up style and curves, she brought the house down during every killer performance, surprised the world with her sexy music videos, and was more transparent than ever before.

From announcing her battle with lupus to making the list of the 10 most "liked" Instagram photos of the past 12 months, Selena made it her year all around. But what we loved the most about seeing her everywhere was how every change she made reinforced the fact that she's not a Disney star anymore, but a woman in control of her personal and professional life, determined to make a lasting name for herself. Keep reading to see all the reasons 2015 was the year Selena's lasting career really began.

She Finally Spoke Up About Not Wanting to Just Be Justin Bieber's Ex-Girlfriend

Selena and Justin first stepped out together in 2011 and dated on and off for about three years before calling it off . . . in 2014! So why did everyone keep asking her about him this year? she's not just Justin's ex and wants everyone to know it. Get on board!

Her Fashion Is Sophisticated and Better Than Ever

Selena owned every single carpet she stepped on and gave street style a whole new meaning. She dressed to impress morning, noon, and night — even when catching a flight . No more Converse and jeans for Selena.

She Was Embraced by the Fashion Elite

Selena pulled her looks straight off the runway (#outfitgoals), looking flawless in a Monse geometric ruffled design just 12 days after the show. her new stylist, Kate Young, might have something to do with it, but regardless of whether she had some help, fashion designers were fighting to dress Selena this year.

She Took Ownership of Her Career

After firing her momager, Selena opened up to Flare Magazine, saying: "Ultimately, I am 23 and figuring out my life. I feel confident, I feel empowered, I feel in control." We couldn't agree more.

She Became a Literal Boss Lady

Despite being in front of the camera for most of her career, Selena is making what could be her biggest move yet by executive producing the new Netflix miniseries 13 reasons why. We have a feeling her business expansion won't end here.

She Was Completely Unapologetic

Selena was out and about with Justin Bieber the night before the American Music Awards, then hit the stage to sing her single "Same Old Love." Who cares if this song might be about Justin – "I'm so sick of that same old love, the kind that breaks your heart"? She's a woman and can do whatever the heck she wants without having to tell the world why she's doing it.

She Definitely Left Her Teen Years Behind

We spotted her posing with little clothes left and right (power to her; she owns her body!) and totally fit in on stage  at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. You work that runway, girl!

She Was More Honest Than Ever

She told it like it is — from shocking the world when she revealed that she has been battling Lupus to getting more than super candid when asked if she would date One Directions Zayn Malik. (Answer: yes!)

She Even Came Clean About Those Luscious Locks

Because she can! Fans couldn't believe when she admitted that that her hair is totally fake— even while holding a Pantene contract — but in true Selena fashion she owned every inch of it.

She Embraced the Power of Friendship

Selena has an unbreakable group of girlfriends, including BFF Taylor Swift, and really relied on them this year. "A bunch of women I look up to and admire are supporting one another, and Taylor has such a beautiful way of bringing people together," she said.