Selena Gomez pays tribute to slain friend Christina Grimmie

MIAMI , June 12 (UPI) -- Recording artist Selena Gomez paid tribute at her Saturday show to her longtime friend, singer Christina Grimmie, who was gunned down in Orlando Friday night.

"When she was 14, we met her and my parents and I signed her," People magazine said a clearly emotional Gomez told concertgoers.

"One thing about Christina and her family is that she holds her faith so closely to her. And I think it's not about a religion and it's not about anything or good deeds. It's just that she had faith, and I don't really understand how this really happened, but I would like to dedicate this next song to her."

E! News said Gomez went on to sing a heartfelt rendition of "Transfiguration" as she sat at the piano.

Police have identified Grimmie's alleged killer as 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl.

Grimmie, 22, gained fame after competing on NBC's The Voice. She was the target of a deliberate attack, although it does not appear at this time that Grimmie and Loibl knew each other.

Loibl allegedly shot Grimmie as she was signing autographs after a show. Her brother tackled him to the ground and Loibl reportedly shot and killed himself.