In a revealing interview with Teen Vogue for their September cover, Demi Lovato opened up about the complex emotions surrounding her rise to fame, describing it as a “bittersweet” experience. The 32-year-old singer and actress, who uses she/they pronouns, candidly discussed her forthcoming documentary, Child Star, and how her early career shaped her perspective on success and self-worth.
Lovato, who first gained prominence as a child star on the Disney Channel, admitted that the allure of fame came with significant challenges. “It was bittersweet because it was all I wanted, and it was miserable,” Lovato told Teen Vogue. Reflecting on her life during the peak of her child stardom, she revealed how the intense scrutiny and grueling schedule, especially around the release of Camp Rock 2 in 2010, left her feeling isolated and unhappy.
By the time she was starring in Disney’s Sonny with a Chance and its sequel, Lovato said she felt disconnected and unfulfilled. “Nobody actually cares. I was isolated. I was lonely. I was essentially miserable, and I treated people poorly because of that,” she recounted, addressing the difficulties of balancing fame with personal well-being.
Child Star, Lovato’s directorial debut, explores these themes through a blend of personal reflection and interviews with other former child stars such as Drew Barrymore, JoJo Siwa, and Raven-Symoné. The documentary highlights the shared struggles and triumphs of growing up in the public eye.
Lovato expressed that the public’s perception of her as a child idol felt like a façade, which contributed to her sense of imposter syndrome. “It felt like I had an imposter syndrome situation going on,” she said. “They don’t see me partying with my friends, blacking out on the weekends. So I knew the whole time that they were cheering for a façade, and it felt empty.”
In a separate interview with PEOPLE, Lovato elaborated on her evolving understanding of fame and identity. She emphasized that she had confused her personal identity with her public persona during her younger years. “My career was completely separate from my identity,” Lovato explained. “Learning to differentiate the two has been one of the biggest lessons of my life.”
Despite past struggles, Lovato now finds peace in her personal relationships, particularly with her fiancé, Jordan ‘Jutes’ Lutes. The couple, engaged since December 2023, has been a source of stability and joy for Lovato. “I value and I cherish love so much in my life,” she shared. “It means more to me than anything because that’s really truly what life is about: love.”
As Lovato continues to navigate her career and personal life, she remains committed to sharing her experiences and embracing authenticity, both in her art and in her everyday life.