Research Portfolio of Demi Lovato by Lydia Roberts https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y An analysis of the development of the star image of Demi Lovato en-us 2022-10-24 12:15:19 UTC 2022-11-10 22:09:23 UTC hello@padlet.com 1. Early Life & Career 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2363078658 Born in 1992 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Demi Lovato kicked off their career in television as a child actor in 2002 at the age of 10, on the television series Barney and Friends.  Lovato also featured in television dramas 'Just Jordan' (2007) and 'Prison Break' (2006). Growing up they also won several talent competitions and performed in several prestigious venues including the Eisemann centre. ]]> 2022-10-31 10:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2363078658 2. Early Career and working with Disney Channel 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2363085958 In 2007, Demi Lovato began working with the Disney Channel on a short television show called 'As The Bell Rings'. However, Lovato's breakthrough starring role was Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel movie 'Camp Rock.' While filming Camp Rock, Demi Lovato began also recording three songs with the pop group the Jonas Brothers for the film's soundtrack.]]> 2022-10-31 10:49:04 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2363085958 3. Camp Rock and Demi as an actress and singer/ Disney Star 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367113605 Demi Lovato plays the role of Mitchie Torres an aspiring singer who is almost parallel to Demi's own personal life at the time. Demi is both an actress and a musician in this role and features as the lead vocalist on the majority of the movie's soundtrack which was highly successful. The soundtrack which was released by Disney debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 album charts as well as selling over 188,000 units in its first week. This role was the beginning of the gradual career transition from actress to singer and is arguably the start of her professional music career. Alongside this, they also began collaborating with other established Disney stars such as Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, establishing themself as a Disney star.]]> 2022-11-02 17:38:08 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367113605 Camp Rock: Mitchie Torres 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367167974 - talented singer and performer
- charming
- all- American sweetheart 
- underdog ]]> 2022-11-02 18:10:25 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367167974 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367183541 2022-11-02 18:20:02 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367183541 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367192844 2022-11-02 18:26:04 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367192844 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367194654 2022-11-02 18:27:22 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367194654 Princess Protection Program (2009) 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367210575 Demi's next big role as an actress was in the Disney Channel film Princess Protection Program as Princess Rosalinda, alongside Selena Gomez. It is the third highest-rated Disney Channel Original Movie, premiering with 8.5 million viewers. ]]> 2022-11-02 18:37:55 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367210575 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367216507 Demi also stars in regular Disney channel series ]]> 2022-11-02 18:42:06 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367216507 4. Demi's Early Music Career - Debut Album 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367222129 'Don't Forget' was Demis's debut album which was produced in collaboration with the Jonas Brothers, the sound is comparable with the music from Camp Rock perhaps, in my opinion, aiming to maintain her Camp Rock fanbase, featuring primarily a power pop and rock sound, with the lyrical content addressing other adolescent topics. Demi claims that the aim of this album was to establish herself as an artist, which is why the album is perhaps more happy and upbeat and influenced by the Jonas Brothers in comparison with her discography.]]> 2022-11-02 18:46:20 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2367222129 Don't Forget 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2368568264 Lovato explained that her goal was to have fun and establish herself as a new musician outside of Disney Channel with the album and that she would include deeper themes in her other work stating: "You won't necessarily find a lot of dark songs on the album, but hopefully you will on the next album. It's my first one, so I wanted it to be fun — stuff you can drive around in your car to and jam out to."  "Demi Lovato Calls On Jonas Brothers For Help With Debut LP, Onstage Tumble". MTV News. ]]> 2022-11-03 14:33:12 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2368568264 Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato's Celebrity Friendship 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2368632279 Demi and Selena, both extremely successful Disney stars at this time, made a YouTube series that they treated almost like a podcast talking about topics but most importantly showing off their enviable 'BFF' relationship for young girls and Disney fans everywhere to watch.  The videos are authentic in the sense they are just two teenagers gossiping and enjoying themselves, however, could the joint youtube channel have been a marketing tactic to gain traction for their upcoming Princess Protection movie?]]> 2022-11-03 15:08:50 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2368632279 5. The Disney Curse 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2368648208 Like several other Disney Channel icons and teen stars including Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan, Demi's mental health breakdown was reported widely in the media. Many suspect the root cause of the Disney Curse to be the immense pressure of maintaining the perfect image and being a role model whilst growing up in the limelight as well as resisting the urges to break away from their Disney-curated 'image'.]]> 2022-11-03 15:16:58 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2368648208 Here We Go Again 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2370062334 Here We Go Again was Demi's second album released in 2009, the album is more personal than her previous album, exploring more mature sounds and lyrics partly due to not collaborating with the Jonas Brothers; despite Demi going on the Camp Rock 2 tour with them to promote this album and was romantically linked to Joe Jonas at the time. ]]> 2022-11-04 13:08:19 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2370062334 6. Demi Lovato's Drug Addiction, Rehab and Struggles with Mental Health 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2370079251 The Article above provides a timeline of the long struggle Demi Lovato faced battling her drug addiction and struggles with mental health. Lovato admitted themself to a rehabilitation center after a physical altercation with a dancer during her Camp Rock 2 tour made headlines. This was the first major scandal of Demi's career and portrayed them as vulnerable and tarnished her 'Disney' image.]]> 2022-11-04 13:19:32 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2370079251 Demi on their 2017 YouTube Documentary 'Simply Complicated' speaking out on why they punched Alex Welch 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2370088631 'I was in Colombia. I was on the Camp Rock 2 tour and I invited a bunch of people to dinner, my band and my background dancers. I paid for all the alcohol ... I was on Adderall, and we had trashed the hotel. The hotel was threatening us. They went to some of the dancers and asked what had happened and I think they told on me for using Adderall ... I was very upset, I couldn't believe what had happened. Now it was out that I was on Adderall.' - Demi Lovato]]> 2022-11-04 13:26:03 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2370088631 Substance Abuse 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373433105 Demi Lovato has remained very open about her long battle with substance abuse within her documentaries and posts on Instagram and other social media platforms. After being admitted to rehab once in 2009, a sober house in 2013 and went to rehab again in 2018. In my opinion the honesty of Demi to share their extremely difficult journey with substance abuse portrays them as authentic and honest as they are showing their dual more personal side of celebrity life even though it may not be a 'desirable' star image; it humanizes them as a star who relentlessly bounces back from dark times they are going through]]> 2022-11-07 16:38:21 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373433105 Album release in 2011: 'Unbroken' 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373476117 Released in 2011 months after finishing rehabilitation treatment Demi released the album 'Unbroken', this album along with title 'Unbroken' I perceived to be the comeback of Demi rebuilding her star image as a vulnerable yet inspiring person who bounced back after her first public scandal.]]> 2022-11-07 17:01:11 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373476117 7. Demi as a Judge on X Factor 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373559254 Demi Lovato appeared as a regular judge on season two of popular talent show the X Factor alongside Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Britney Spears. Many fans were excited for the opportunity for Demi to appear as themself on Television and show off their persona as a supportive and emotional judge and mentor.  ]]> 2022-11-07 17:47:14 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373559254 Demi's X-Factor Judge Persona 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373562611 Demi was often seen as being emotional and openly related to many of the struggles of the people she mentored on the show, portraying themselves as a very genuine, honest and fair judge. In this video she famously quotes 'The bully's that bullied us are sitting at home watching us on TV', showing how Demi was using the online hate she received prior to her scandal to empower themself and others.
Comments on this video include:
-  'I have had depression since 2004. Demi is my inspiration to never give up. Thankyou Demi for making your voice heard about mental awareness.'
-  'We love you Demi' 
- 'I just love you Demi for speaking up and inspiring others to come forward and sharing their painful truths so they heal and transform.'

]]> 2022-11-07 17:49:19 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373562611 Instagram Caption from Demi Lovato's Instagram discussing their Addiction 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373630869 2022-11-07 18:30:35 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373630869 Song 'Sober' and its significance 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373732326
Lovato's song 'Sober' released in June of 2018 is a song which lyrics apologize for not being sober anymore they discuss being lonely and how it led to their relapse. 
Some lyrics include:
  • "Momma, I'm sorry I'm not sober anymore."
  • "Daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor."
  • "I'm sorry for the fans I lost who watched me fall again."


]]> 2022-11-07 19:29:54 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373732326 8. Demi Lovato as a Advocate for Mental Health 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373735808 Demi has always remained open-minded and honest about mental health, sharing their own battle with Bipolar, Depression, Anorexia, Bulimia and drug and alcohol abuse and speaks about it in detail in their YouTube documentary. Their ability to be so open with their fans and the press normalizes the often-stigmatized topics surrounding mental health and celebrities in the media as well as making themself an advocate for people suffering with mental health issues. Demi also has worked with many charities such as 'Global Citizen' advocating for more support to be put in place for vulnerable people like themself who struggle with their mental health.]]> 2022-11-07 19:32:11 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2373735808 Co-Owner of California's CAST Centre 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374815483 In 2016, Lovato became co-owner of the treatment facility that saved her life in 2016, launching her own merch line with all profits going towards the addiction-treatment facility.]]> 2022-11-08 11:20:43 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374815483 Speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374819027 “Like millions of Americans, I am living with mental illness. But I’m lucky. I had the resources and support to get treatment at a top facility,” Lovato said. “Unfortunately, too many Americans from all walks of life don’t get help, either because they fear the stigma or because they can’t afford treatment.”

Demi urged Congress to "provide better access to healthcare and support for everyone."

]]> 2022-11-08 11:23:46 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374819027 9. Demi Lovato's Position on Politics 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374830910 Demi has openly supported the Democratic, left-wing politics on social media, in conferences and even within their music. ]]> 2022-11-08 11:34:11 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374830910 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374848030 A left-wing position in politics is usually more favorable stance for young people as it is seen as more inclusive and open minded. Demi's public support of the Democratic party and politicians as well as publicly condemning President Trump portrays her as someone that cares about her fanbase of young, diverse people and an advocate for positive change within America]]> 2022-11-08 11:47:51 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374848030 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374850844 An Article discussing the social effects of Demi's open discussion about their Bipolar disorder and how it reduced stigmatization]]> 2022-11-08 11:50:01 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374850844 Demi Lovato Combatting Performative Activism Claims 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374967802 She performed her song Commander-in-Chief at the Billboard Music Awards in October which lyrically criticized Trump, claiming that she “did not care” if it ruined her career.

The singer addressed her fans on social media, writing: “I literally don’t care if this ruins my career. This isn’t about that. My career isn’t about that. I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans."

]]> 2022-11-08 13:16:12 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2374967802 11. Demi Lovato as a Feminist 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2375533154 Demi throughout their career has often been very vocal about their opinions on Feminism and often includes messages of sexual empowerment such as in her hit song 'Confident' mainly aimed at young women and I would argue that a lot of their discography is influenced by post-feminism; this form of feminism focuses more on surface level issues such as body-image, sexual liberation and often ignores more serious intersectional gender-based issues. We see the post-feminist influence through Demi's persona, song lyrics and visuals such as the album cover above portraying Demi as sexually liberated,  glamourous and free to do as they want as well as influencing their audience to do the same.]]> 2022-11-08 18:49:10 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2375533154 12. Demi as an Advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2375534626 2022-11-08 18:50:08 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2375534626 Demi 'banishes' her Disney girl image with new gothic look (article linked below) 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2377578088 2022-11-09 22:04:41 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2377578088 A Podcast that discusses how Demi is a Supportive Ally to the LGBTQ+ by SuperQueero 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2377635775 2022-11-09 23:22:47 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2377635775 13. Demi Lovato in Current Times: 2022 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2377637885 Demi Lovato as of 2022 has now recovered and has released a new album 'Holy Fvck' on which they plan on going on an international tour. After coming out as non-binary, Demi has entered a new era as a rockstar and continues to voice their experiences and opinions about their traumatic past and suggests that much of their mental health and drug abuse was caused by trying to conform to the 'ideal pop-star image and the gender norms that were pushed onto them. Demi's genre and star image have changed drastically to a more punk-rock-inspired image which we can see in the recent image above through the black rugged hair, dark heavy eyeliner and leather jacket.]]> 2022-11-09 23:25:38 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2377637885 Post Feminism and Performative Activism 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378478115 Although Demi's intentions when wearing this t-shirt, many people took to social media to say that wearing a $710 designer t-shirt is out of touch with reality, appears performative and does not actually do anything productive for the feminist movement.]]> 2022-11-10 11:49:56 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378478115 Support of the Feminist Movement on Social Media 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378526995 Despite Demi's tendencies to sway towards post-feminism in her earlier work, they have always remained vocal on social media about openly being a feminist at a time when the word 'feminist' had very negative connotations. For example, when the #Feministsaregly was trending on Twitter Demi clapped back with a statement claiming "... the fact that #FeministsAreUgly trended is atrocious, ignorance kills any chance that humanity has at improving itself." I would argue that Demi Lovato as an influential celebrity combatting hate towards the feminist movement on social media in itself is influential, as they were changing the narrative of feminism as a negative thing to their younger fanbase.]]> 2022-11-10 12:30:05 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378526995 Demi Lovato on Coming out as non-Binary and breaking gender stereotypes 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378644660 The "Sorry Not Sorry" singer appeared on Fonda’s "Fire Drill Friday" livestream where they discussed recently coming out as non-binary and using they/them pronounces on the first episode of their podcast. The star noted that they didn’t come out sooner because they were unknowingly battling "the patriarchy" and its expectations for women. 

"After years of living my life for other people, trying to make myself smaller for the patriarchy -- they run the industry, they are at the center of everything. When I realized that, I thought, ‘What are the ways that the patriarchy has been holding me back?’" Lovato said (via Entertainment Tonight). "And for me, it was putting me in a box telling [me] that ‘You are a female, this is what you’re supposed to like, this is what you’re supposed to do, don’t dream bigger and don’t speak louder.’ That didn’t vibe for me because I’m too outspoken for that."

]]> 2022-11-10 13:49:55 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378644660 Demi Lovato's New Era 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378654735 Demi Lovato who identifies as non-binary recently had a “funeral” for their pop music and hinted at going back to their “rocky emo” days. Suggesting Demi is entering a new era of more rock-influenced music. Lovato told Rolling Stone that they want to put the rest of their music “behind them” and says fans can expect a bit of “heaviness” in the future.

]]> 2022-11-10 13:55:52 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378654735 New Album: Holy Fvck 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378688148 Demi's new album is very different in the sense it no longer includes the pop-style genre featured in the rest of their discography and is more influenced by rock and heavy metal, however, the lyrical element of discussing their trauma and past is still prevalent in their music. For example, in song rock song '29', the lyrics discuss the grooming and the age gap in abusive relationships that Demi faced at age 17 with Wilmer Valderrama who was 29 when they started dating. For example the lyrics 'Finally 29, 17 would never cross my mind', discuss the discomfort Demi now feels at age 29 even thinking about dating a 17-year-old.

]]> 2022-11-10 14:14:14 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378688148 Demi Lovato as a Role Model 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378723900 Demi Lovato a pop star publicly coming out as non-binary is significant representation for people who don't conform to gender norms and is extremely significant for the LGBTQ+ community. Although Demi has shown they don't conform to stereotypical gender roles in their early work when they state they wear 'converse with my dress' in the song 'La La Land', the huge significance of a non-binary star openly adopting they/them pronouns helps normalize the stigma around identities and combats the negative perception often enforced by the right-wing surrounding pronouns and neopronouns often used to mock transgender and non-binary people. ]]> 2022-11-10 14:33:22 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378723900 CBBC Newsround UK Childrens educational uses Demi Lovato to educate children on non-Binary and other identities outside of gender norms 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378756955
Highlighting how Demi is perceived as a positive role model to younger people]]> 2022-11-10 14:52:17 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2378756955 Demi Lovato wrote a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2379334510 2022-11-10 21:58:25 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2379334510 Discusses celebrity mental health and how Demi created a profitable vulnerability strategy from openly sharing their struggles 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2379340167 978-3-031-16756-0.pdf (springer.com)]]> 2022-11-10 22:04:54 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2379340167 Academic article discussing how Demi became an advocate for Mental Health 201534739 https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2379342919 The celebritization of self-care: The celebrity health narrative of Demi Lovato and the sickscape of mental illness - Gaston Franssen, 2020 (sagepub.com)]]> 2022-11-10 22:08:41 UTC https://padlet.com/201534739/7ebf1svrtdwy0k9y/wish/2379342919