Selena Gomez is ''very proud'' of Demi Lovato for opening up about her time in rehab.

The 21-year-old singer-and-actress is pleased her good friend - who was treated for substance abuse, an eating disorder and self harm in 2010 - has managed to overcome her previous problems and is now helping people who suffer from similar issues.

She told i-D magazine: ''I'm very proud of Demi and her being able to accept the challenges she went through, but also for staying a good role model to people who do struggle with the things that she's gone through.''

Selena is pleased to have such a close friendship group - which includes of Demi, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus - because the quartet all look out for each other.

She added: ''I've always been taught that you are who you surround yourself with. So if you surround yourself with good positive people you can only do good things for them and they can only do good things for you.

''It is frustrating at times when certain things are being said, but other than that I'm just a normal girl living a normal life.''