303: Research Portfolio on Demi Lovato by 201562038

1 - The Rise of Demi Lovato

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Demi's passion for singing and acting was first discovered at the ripe age of 7 when her mother, Dianna De La Garza, entered her into beauty pageants. In 2000, Demi was crowned Texas State Cinderella Miniature Miss. This would be the start of her rise to stardom.

2 - Breaking into Acting

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After many auditions, Lovato landed her first acting job in 2002 starring in Barney and Friends, a children's television series targeted at children aged 2-7yrs. Demi was just 8-years old. She worked alongside co-star Selena Gomez until 2004, signally the start of her acting career.

3 - Demi's Big Break

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Landing Camp Rock was a pinnacle moment in Demi's acting career and was often described as her 'big break'. She booked the role of Mitchie Torres - an aspiring teenage musician - in 2008 at the age of 15. She worked alongside the Jonas Brothers on the Disney film series, later doing a spin-off 'Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam'. The film series was hugely successful amongst young children/'tween' girls. Unsurprisingly, the Camp Rock franchise soon converged into various media platforms and formats including video game, merchandise (toys, clothing, bags), music and karaoke functions and publishing (Camp Rock: The Junior Novel). This highlights the power of Disney as a transnational company and their support for Lovato as a rising child star.

4 - Mitchie Torres Character

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Initially... (Camp Rock 1)

Aspiring musician
Shy/timid/insecure
Easily influenced by others
Bullied for her working class background
'Plain Jane' - plain, baggy clothing, earthy tones
Introverted
Lacked confidence

Becomes... (Camp Rock 2)

Talented and confident musician
Excitable
A leader
Extroverted
Appearance evolved - vivid clothing, trendy hair-cut
Comedic, loud, outspoken, bold

Here there is an overlap with Demi's own character

Demi as a Musician

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While it may be Demi's acting that thrust her into the spotlight, her talents as a musician were quickly recognised and displayed throughout the Camp Rock series. Her debut single 'This is Me', featuring Joe Jonas, was released in 2008 as part of the Camp Rock soundtrack album. It initially premiered on Radio Disney and later by Walt Disney Records. Releasing her first single under the persona of Mitchie Torres, and the watchful eye of Disney, meant that the song strongly aligned with her character's narrative and supported Disney's 'family-friendly' brand image. At this time, Demi was yet to step out from behind the shadow of her Disney persona and establish herself as an independent artist.

Bipolar Diagnosis

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Following three months of treatment, Demi publicly revealed her bipolar diagnosis in 2011. This diagnosis perhaps explained her unorthodox behaviour towards Welch that happened a few months prior. Although Disney cannot be blamed for this diagnosis, it is hard to ignore the 'Disney Star Curse' here. Frequent correlations can be spotted between Disney stars and mental health diagnoses, including Britney Spears and Selena Gomez who have both been diagnosed with bipolar.

Despite her recent altercation with Welch, Demi managed to salvage her star status as she chose to incorporate her mental health struggles into her celebrity image. In the months and years that followed, Demi opened up about her drug/alcohol addiction, eating disorder and mental illnesses, embracing them as part of her identity.

The Fight of Her Life

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In July 2018, Demi overdosed on heroin that was, unknowingly, laced with fentanyl (a concoction that has killed stars like Prince and Mac Miller). She suffered three strokes, a heart attack, brain damage, multiple organ failure and vision impairment (which still affects her today). This was undeniably the most life-changing experience for Demi.

Sexual Assault and Purity Rings

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In Dancing with the Devil, Demi also discusses her horrific experiences with sexual assault. In 2021, Demi was raped by her drug dealer while overdosing on heroin. However, this was not her first instance of sexual assault. Demi lost her virginity to rape as a teenage by someone who was closely tied to the Disney circle. At the time she was reluctant to speak out about her assault due to her highly religious upbringing and her involvement in the Disney 'chaste' brand. During her time on Disney Demi and other Disney stars (Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez), were encouraged to wear purity rings, representing a commitment to chastity. By doing this, Disney were able to capitalise on the old saying of "sex sells" but with a parent-approved twist. Similarly, the rings helped to project the innocent image of Disney stars and encouraged them to behave in ways consistent with this image. The rings also led to an uncomfortable fixation with Disney stars virginities as it became an intriguing topic that journalists often explored in interviews. Therefore, Demi's commitment encouraged her to remain silent about her assault to preserve her 'pure chaste image'.

A Completely New Look (2021)

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Since her overdose, Demi has embraced her queerness much more openly. Fans first speculated that Demi was sexually fluid following the release of her song 'Cool for the Summer' in 2015 (as previously explored). Since then, Demi revealed that she was on a dating app with both guys and girls and that she is open to any human connection. Therefore, Demi's transformation, particularly her recent hair cut, signifies an embrace of her true queer self and signals a release from the hyper-feminine and heterosexual norms that were imposed on her as a child. Therefore, as the caption says, "Demi Lovato is Finally Home" in terms of her sexuality.

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Demi posted this image to her Instagram to broadcast the end of her pop era to her fans. Everyone dressed in black to symbolise the 'death' of her pop music. She deleted every post that preceded this, signally the start of a new era. It was met with a varied reaction from fans, some saying that they will "miss the old Demi", while others embraced her new identity:

"This is the Demi we needed."

"So excited that Demi is going back to her rock roots. Anyone that has followed Demi from the beginning knows she’s always been a rocker."

"Demi's return to rock is such a gift."

Melon Cake (2021)

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This song serves as an apology to Demi's younger-self for the dietary restrictions that she, and other people, put on her. This song also signals Demi's growth and recovery from her eating disorder as the chorus chants "no more melon cakes."

These are some key lyrics that stuck out in particular:

"There was a time the cat and mouse tried to make me Barbie-sized and I obliged"

"Finally get to do things my way"

"Dear little me, I'm sorry that it took so long, but baby you're free"

Father-Daughter Relationship

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In this documentary, Demi opened up about her estranged relationship with her late father, Patrick Lovato. This was due to his abuse of drugs and alcohol; he was also abusive towards Demi's mother. The severing of family-ties appears to be a recurring theme amongst Disney stars, including Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Lohan, highlighting the difficulties of stardom.

Patrick eventually passed away in June 2013 after battling cancer. His death date remains unconfirmed, however it was estimated that he was found a week after his death. Since then, Demi has used her music - for example 'For the Love of a Daughter' (2011) and 'Father' (2015) - to convey her feelings towards her father. This again adds to her authenticity and relatability as fractured family relationships is a topic that her fans may be able to resonate with.

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For 8-years, Demi had watermelon cakes for her birthday instead of traditional birthday cakes. This shows the strict controls she, and others, imposed on her diet.

Bullying

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Demi also spoke candidly about how she was bullied as a teenager, which eventually caused her to drop out of school. Demi says that she has been left permanently scarred - quite literally given her history of cutting - due to the names she was called in school. This experience not only caused her to lean into her eating disorder, but also led her to experiment with drugs and alcohol at age 13 as a means to 'escape' the pain she was feeling. Given Demi's teenage/young adult audience, bullying is a topic that many of her fans may be able to resonate with, adding to her relatable star image.

Vanity Fair Nude Shoot (2015)

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In 2015, Demi did a nude photoshoot for Vanity Fair. She had three rules: no makeup, no clothing and no retouching. This served to shine Demi in a very authentic light. It shows how she uses her platform to empower herself, and other women. In the image (linked above), Demi appears confident and content in her own skin, which is a major contrast to how she has previously felt about her body. This signifies growth, development and recovery which is inspiring to witness, particularly for her young female audience. Evidence of this can be spotted in her fans responses to the shoot (linked right).

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Religion / Growing up in the South

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Demi points to her religious and Southern upbringing as the primary reason behind her concealed queer identity. Demi grew up in Texas in a Christian household therefore, gender and sexual fluidity was not something that was normalised during her childhood. She remembers often feeling more masculine than feminine and feeling attracted to women from a young age. However, due to the numerous anti-LGBTQ+ policies in the South, Demi felt forced to conceal this part of her identity.

Therefore, among letting go of her traumatic past, Demi said cutting her hair was a way to 'free her' from the gender and heterosexual norms that were placed on her as a child.

Father (2015)

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For the Love of a Daughter (2011)

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“4-years old with my back to the door. All I could hear was the family war. Your selfish hands always expecting more”

These lyrics refer to the domestic abuse that Demi witnessed at a young age between her father and mother.

Philanthropy and Image

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Now I have explored the various trial and tribulations that Demi has been through, it is unsurprising that she became a strong advocate and philanthropist for mental health and addiction.

One of Demi's key ventures involved teaming up with her former treatment centre - CAST - and becoming a co-owner. In 2018, Demi took CAST on tour, offering fans free group therapy, workshops and motivational speeches before her concerts. 'CAST on Tour' was a very influential and inspiring movement that fans could engage with and benefit from. For example, one fan said she sought treatment for her alcoholism for the first time after attending a 'CAST on Tour' workshop.

Alongside this, Demi regularly attended charity events where she would perform and give speeches in an effort to raise awareness. Lovato was praised heavily by her fans and the media for her advocacy, and even won awards. This had a very positive effect on her image, reaffirming her position as a role model and a truly inspirational star.

6 - The Inevitable Downfall of Disney Stars

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There seems to be an ongoing discourse in the media about the inevitable downfall of successful Disney-signed stars. This downfall comes in the form of a 'breakdown' phase where Disney stars fall victim to substance abuse, eating disorders or mental health diagnoses. Like Demi, other stars who began their careers on Disney have also had very public breakdowns, including Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Lohan. Demi has opened up about the pressures of being a Disney star and the effect it had, claiming that it caused her to lean into her eating disorder and drug addiction.

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Social Media Activity

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While Lovato still embraces her queer self, she has also been keen to showcase her new heterosexual relationship with musician Jordan Jutes on social media sites such as Instagram.

2010: Demi's Breakdown

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It wasn't long until Demi's 'sweet' public mask began to slip and her issues with addiction and mental illness would begin to become public knowledge.

In 2010, while on tour with the Jonas Brothers for Camp Rock 2, Demi punched one of her backup dancers (Alex Welch), leaving visible bruises. Within days, Demi checked into a treatment facility in Illinois for emotional and physical issues. Soon enough, various rumours began circulating in the media about a traumatic childhood, alcohol and cocaine addiction and bulimia. This turn of events destabilised Demi's image as an innocent star and her position as a respectable role model was in jeopardy. She was even forced to exit Sonny with a Chance following the altercation. The media characterised Demi's sudden outburst in terms of a 'meltdown', a 'crisis' and a 'downward spiral.'

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Self-Harm

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In this documentary, Demi opened up about her past of cutting and self-harm. She started cutting whilst working on Disney channel as she felt undeserving of her role model title which she had claimed unwillingly. When Lovato wasn't work, she was partying and taking drugs. This massively contradicted her image as a role model and actually, made her more of a bad example. She says she felt like she was "living a lie" since her image as a role model was not authentic. Consequently, she took this guilt and shame out on herself.

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In her first public statement following her overdose, Lovato described her battle with addiction as one that she must "continue to overcome." This centres her image around constant productivity and re-fixing that has no end.

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Celebrating 6 Years Sober

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During Demi's "Tell Me You Love Me" world tour in 2018 at the Barclay's Centre, she celebrated six years of sobriety. Concert attendees, alongside DJ Khaled and Kehlani, sang happy 6th birthday to Demi which moved her to tears.

To the public, it appeared Demi had finally settled into this new way of life, pursuing and promoting an image of self-care and recovery. The Instagram caption (linked above) describes this moment on stage as "great" and "honest". However, unbeknownst to everyone, Demi relapsed on drugs and alcohol only a month later and within three months, she would be fighting for her life. This suggests that this moment at the Barclays Centre was perhaps not as honest and authentic as it appeared.

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Confident (2015)

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Demi's First Album (2008)

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After witnessing her obvious talents and popularity with audiences, Disney wished to continue Demi's affiliation with the network through music. As a result, Demi signed with the Disney-owned label Hollywood Records in 2008 and released her first pop album 'Don't Forget'.

In terms of the album, viewers agreed that the songs had strong "Disney-esque" undertones. Other reviews described the debut as "very under control", hinting at Disney's input and influence. This shows how challenging it is for Disney child stars to separate themselves from their onscreen characters and the network.

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In this interview from 2017, Demi expresses the difficulty of transitioning from a child star into a successful mainstream artist. She says that after years of being 'moulded' into something, presumably by the Disney corporation, she found it difficult to establish her own identity, separate to what viewers have seen onscreen.

Strict Management & Eating Disorder

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In 'Dancing with the Devil', Demi discussed something that she had not yet revealed in her past two documentaries. She spoke out about the strict policing of her diet by her own management. From the ages of 16-18, Demi's team adopted some very unethical, arguably criminal, measures to ensure she maintained a 'certain look.' This included removing snacks from her hotel rooms, tracking her bank statements and even barricading her in hotel rooms to stop her from leaving to binge. For Demi, this was like throwing oil onto a blazing fire, reigniting her issues with bulimia. However her requests for treatment were denied by her team who claimed she was not sick enough. We can only assume that her team denied her treatment as the thought of Demi entering a facility would completely tarnish her carefully-crafted image that she and her team had spent years building.

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Demi also opened up about her struggle to stay sober after receiving treatment in 2011. She confessed to being high, intoxicated or extremely hungover during multiple interviews and performances. This included her performance on American Idol (linked above) which followed after a heavy night of partying. Demi was even under the influence of cocaine whilst promoting her 'sobriety' in her first documentary 'Stay Strong.' These confessions present Demi as a 'real' and 'normal' person who is going through the highs and lows of battling addiction and as someone who will slip-up and make mistakes as, like the rest of us, she is only human.

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Demi has even advised children from getting involved in the entertainment industry at such a young age.

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Joe Jonas spoken candidly about his experience on the Disney Channel:

"Being a part of a company like that (Disney) comes with certain expectations"

"We were just kids. We were frightened little kids"

"Because of our age, because of Disney... there were so many things throughout our career that we had to sugarcoat. It felt like we couldn't be creative"

"Being part of the Disney thing for so long will make you not want to be this perfect little puppet forever. Eventually, I hit a limit and thought 'screw this I'm just going to show people who I am'. I think that happened to a lot of us."

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7-years on, Demi finally revealed the reasoning behind her bizarre altercation with Alex Welch that occurred in 2010. She confessed that she punched Welch because she had revealed her adderall addiction to her management. Demi's confession reflects her refined image as a transparent and authentic star who is willing to discuss the low-points in her life rather than displaying just the glitz and glamour of stardom.

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Dancing with the Devil (2021)

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'Dancing with the Devil' is an extremely powerful and moving song both lyrically and visually. The music video is a re-enactment of the night of her near-fatal overdose. Although the video was shot 3-years later, Demi made sure she looked exactly how she did that night: the same clothing and ombre blonde hair. This makes for a very accurate portrayal. There is also a moment that shows Demi's drug dealer looming over her lifeless, naked body which refers to the sexual assault. At the end of the video, Demi brandishes her 'survivor' tattoo that is placed on neck, right where a tube was once inserted - the tube that saved her life. The video ends with a display of helplines for addiction and sexual assault. This shows that the video not only serves to re-create her near-death experience, but it is also intends to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help. The lyrics also add to the song emotionally as Demi describes the drugs as 'the enemy' and 'the devil.' The video received extremely positive feedback from fans who resonated with her story, either themselves or via family or friends.

Demi's Music Post-2010 and Image

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Demi's albums post-2010 reiterated her new image as a confident, empowered, self-assured woman. Likewise, the albums represented her transition away from a young, innocent Disney star as they engage in a more mature R&B vibe and themes.

The album 'Unbroken' (2011) introduces some darker themes that relate to Demi's own personal struggles with bulimia, addiction and mental illness. Her song 'Skyscraper' does this in particular, presenting a major contrast to Demi's earlier 'Disney-esque' music. Moving past this 'child-friendly' music enabled Demi to shed light on some deeper issues that may not have been appropriate for Disney's young audience. Likewise, discussing her mental struggles cements Demi's image as a 'real' authentic person, making her more relatable to her fans who may be facing similar problems.

The album 'Confident' (2015) signifies Demi's newfound confidence and maturity as she increasingly displays more skin and makes explicit references to sex, men and bisexuality. This can be seen in the lyrics: 'sexy dirty love' and 'taste of the cherry.'

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In this interview with Alan Carr, Demi addresses the lyric "taste of the cherry" that sparked mass speculation over her sexuality. She neither confirmed nor denied her bisexual status, but she said that all her songs are "based off personal experiences" and that there is "nothing wrong with experimentation." This was the first time Demi hinted at her sexual fluidity, showing how she was becoming more confident in expressing her true queer self. This may inspire her fans to also express their true selves, particularly for those who are afraid to 'come out'.

Cool For the Summer (2015)

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In particular, Demi's album 'Confident' embraced more provocative themes. Her hit song 'Cool For The Summer' displayed Demi's more sexy, sultry side, offering a more sexualised appearance. Not only does this allow Demi to display her confident image, but it also serves as a way to shed her previous Disney star persona and appeal to an older fan-base.

Likewise, the music video and lyricism further rejects Demi's innocent image by displaying themes of sex and girl-on-girl action. For example, the infamous lyric "taste of the cherry" makes an explicit reference to lesbianism which sparked mass speculation amongst fans about Demi's sexuality.

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Revamped Album (2023)

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Demi's newest album 'Revamped' reimagines her older pop hits into rock covers including 'Cool For the Summer', 'Heart Attack' and 'Sorry Not Sorry.' Reviving her older iconic hits enables Demi to embrace her new image as a punk rock musician while maintaining some familiarity with her previous audience. From a commercial perspective, 'revamping' fan-favourite hits effectively doubles Demi's audience by enticing not only her previous fan-base through nostalgia, but a newer rock audience through genre.

Unbroken (2011)

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Although Demi publicly expresses her gratitude towards Disney for birthing her successful career, it can be noted that in recent years Demi has changed her tune. She has spoken in various interviews and podcasts about the pressure of upholding a 'squeaky-clean' image due to her association with Disney. This meant that as a teenager, she would deliberately 'tone down' her private life in order to maintain her image as a respectable role model. She has also spoken out about the excessive workload that led to an unhealthy mindset: "if you are going to work me like an adult, I am going to party like an adult." This mindset signals a rebellion against the controls that were being imposed on her from such a young age.

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It could be said that the Lovato family were destined for fame as they have been entangled in the media and entertainment industries for quite some time. Demi's mother Dianna de la garza (formerly Dianna Lovato) has worked as an actress, producer and more recently, an author. Likewise Patrick Lovato, Demi's father, dabbled in the music industry. However, it is safe to say that Demi elevated the family name to household status.

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Child Star Turned Train-wreck?

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In the eyes of the public, Demi was seen as a confident, kind-hearted, talented icon and a respectable role model for young girls. But behind closed doors, Demi was beginning to spiral out of control.

In the documentary (linked above), Lovato's team refer to '2010-Demi' as angry, difficult to be around and manipulative. Demi's rebellious outburst can be attributed to various mental illnesses; it also coincided with her use of drugs. Lovato began drinking and experimenting with drugs at the age of 13. At the age of 17, while working on Disney Channel, Demi was introduced to cocaine and started using regularly. Unlike other Disney stars such as Miley Cyrus, whose 'wild phase' was very publicly documented, Demi was living two separate lives. Publicly, she played up to the 'squeaky-clean' Disney star image but privately, she was a crazed 'party girl'.

In retrospect, it was inevitable that these two personas were eventually going to cross paths and 2010 was this pinpoint moment that marked her public 'breakdown phase'.

Demi's Disney Career

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Demi auditioned to join the cast of 'Sonny with a Chance' in 2007 and made her first appearance in 2009. She played the lead role as Sonny Monroe, a talented 15-year old who had a passion for comedy and writing music. The television series followed Sonny's journey of newfound fame and the struggles that arise alongside this. This onscreen storyline was very fitting, and somewhat ironic, as it mirrors Demi's own rising fame that was occurring offscreen.

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In this article, Demi's father Patrick blames the pressures of Disney for his daughter's sudden outburst towards Welch. This echoes dominant notions that pits Disney as the cause behind many Disney starlets falls from grace.

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'A new chapter, a new life and a completely new Demi'

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In this interview from 2015, Demi says that her new album 'Confident' represents "a new chapter, a new life and a completely new Demi." She claims that, prior to this album, she always kept her image as a role model in mind, which meant that she would often select a certain type of music that would please people. She says that her earlier music did not reflect the "badass" she is. Therefore, this new album intended to display Demi's authentic and mature self in a fun and unserious way.

2010 Repeated???

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In June 2018, Demi began drinking heavily while on tour in Europe. After she returned home, she relapsed on drugs and was introduced to crack and heroin. Some might argue that Lovato was reverting back to her unstable, self-destructive image from 2010...

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Cutting of Years of Trauma

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During this interview on the 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' Demi revealed one of the touching reasons behind her new look. She said that cutting her hair was symbolic of letting go or cutting away (physically and metaphorically) years of trauma. She also revealed that she would spend years hiding behind her hair, particularly when she was struggling with her eating disorder. Therefore, her hair cut signals the freedom and authenticity she now feels.

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In this image, Demi displays her 'free' tattoo. This is very symbolic and reflective of her present self and her development - she nows feels free to express her true queer self.

Demi Comes out as Non-Binary

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Following her transformation, Demi revealed something very personal to her fans on the first episode of her new podcast '4D with Demi Lovato.' She came out as non-binary and revealed that she will be changing her pronouns to 'they/them.' She said that these pronouns best represent her gender fluidity and allows her to feel her most authentic self.

Given Demi's high public status and notoriety, her existence in the LGBTQ+ could provide the necessary attention to the struggles and discrimination that this community often face.

However, in 2022 Demi reasserted her she/her pronouns in addition to they/them. She did this because she said explaining they/them pronouns to people became "absolutely exhausting." This shows that, although Demi is world-renowned star, she is not immune to the difficulties that this community face on a daily basis. We can only hope that her platform can serve to educate people regarding this issue.

Advocacy: Continued

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In 2020, Lovato continued her philanthropic work as she announced her new charity, the Mental Health Fund, which provided people with free 24/7 crisis counselling during the covid-19 pandemic. The charity raised an astonishing $2 million in donations within the first two days. This maintains Lovato's image as a keen advocate and an inspirational star, someone who audiences can continue to look up to. This has made it possible to overlook her past mistakes as she continues to do good in the world.

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In 2017, Demi received the Artistic Award of Courage at the Open Mind Gala for her advocacy in raising awareness for mental illness. She said the work she'd like to do in the world has "only just begun."

Music Rebranding

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Demi's album Holy Fvck (2022) marked her return to her old punk rock roots. Although Demi has always expressed her love for this genre of music, she has previously strayed away from it and instead entered the world of pop and R&B. Although her first two albums ('Don't Forget', 2008 and 'Here We Go Again', 2009) had some punk-rock undertones, she felt forced to turn to pop music in order to make radio hits. Reflecting on her pop era, she says she tried 'too hard' to be sexy and felt uncomfortable dancing in leotards and stilettos.

Now, embracing her new look and sexual identity, there seemed no better time to introduce her new punk rock image. Recently, Demi described feeling empowered singing this new album as she has regained parts of herself that she once lost.

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Today, Demi appears to be her happiest and most content self which is inspiring to witness, particularly for her fans who have followed her turbulent journey. Lovato serves to present a key message of redemption - if Demi Lovato can do it, I can do it - demonstrating to her fans how they too can rebuild themselves to success and prosperity after a downfall.

Fan comments under Demi's recent Instagram post:

"Your joy brings me joy"

"You are so happy omfg this makes me so happy"

"Such warm smiles!!"

"Happy looks so good on you"

"Look at you living your best blessed life. You're truly GLOWING"

201562038 — 2023-10-21 19:16:17 UTC

201562038 — 2023-10-21 19:43:45 UTC

Lovato's new punk-rock and gothic image is reflected in recent magazine covers, such as this, in which she appears confident in her own skin. As stated in the cover, it appears Lovato has "found her rhythm" in her new punk-rock era.

Fan Responses to Overdose

201562038 — 2023-10-22 09:39:19 UTC

Following Demi's overdose, her fans started the hashtag #HowDemiHasHelpedMe on Twitter. This urged Lovato fans to share stories on how Demi has positively impacted their life. As well as showing support for Demi, her fans were able to create a forum to display their vulnerability and offer support to each other. The hashtag went viral, showing how celebrities can, advertently or inadvertently, provide necessary attention to stigmatised topics such as mental health.

201562038 — 2023-10-22 09:41:16 UTC

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201562038 — 2023-10-22 10:59:00 UTC

Fairclough (2008): 'Trainwreck' (pp. 1-19)

201562038 — 2023-10-22 11:06:18 UTC

Lovato's breakdown correlates with Fairclough's 'Disney-star-turned-trainwreck' notion. The term "train wreck" has become a catch-all phrase to describe young female celebrities deemed to be "out of control" (2008, p. 13) as a result of scandal, sex, drug use etc. Once this label is applied, it has become considerably difficult for female celebrities to be taken seriously in both public and professional spheres. Following Lovato's public breakdown, it appears that she was delving down this destructive path, one that many of her co-starlets, such as Lindsay Lohan and Miley Cyrus, have fallen down. While this image usually damages female celebrity's careers indefinitely, we shall see that Lovato presents a rare exception to this historical trend.

Sober (2018)

201562038 — 2023-10-22 14:17:48 UTC

Demi released the single 'Sober' in June 2018. The lyrics referred to her relapse with alcohol and substance abuse. However, unlike in 2010, Demi admitted that she was having a hard time remaining sober. Demi's ability to remain open and authentic about her struggles is what makes her so relatable as she highlights the realities of battling addiction and normalises the fact that the journey is not smooth-sailing. This serves to convey the conventionality and normalcy of her star image, a side which audiences can relate to.

Sober lyrics:

"To the ones who have never left me, we've been down this road before, I'm so sorry, I'm not sober anymore"
"I wanna be a role model, but I'm only human"

Bouncing Back

201562038 — 2023-10-22 16:28:57 UTC

In spite of her overdose, Demi's star status did not waver. She made her incredible comeback performing at the GRAMMYs in 2020. If you compare Demi's breakdown to other female celebrities, such as Lindsay Lohan, it is easy to see that Demi is an exception as she has always managed to 'bounce back', with her career and image intact. This is because Demi's image is built upon constant self-improvement and recovery therefore, the risk of a relapse no longer poses a threat to her success. In fact, showing the ups-and-downs of her journey is what has increased her fame and likability amongst her fans.

Dancing with the Devil Documentary (2021)

201562038 — 2023-10-24 20:32:18 UTC

Simply Complicated Documentary (2017)

201562038 — 2023-10-24 20:32:46 UTC

A Series of Public Confessions

201562038 — 2023-10-24 20:36:47 UTC

Demi reclaimed control over her image by releasing a series of confessional YouTube documentaries including 'Stay Strong' (2012), 'Simply Complicated' (2017) and 'Dancing with the Devil' (2021). These documentaries took viewers behind-the-scenes, unveiling Lovato's private image amidst the glamour of stardom. She detailed her struggles with eating disorders, mental health issues and addiction. They all follow a similar narrative structure which involves firstly, a private struggle; secondly, a narrative of diagnosis and thirdly, a narrative of self-transformation and self-improvement. As a result, Demi shifted her image from an 'all-American good girl' to a relatable and authentic star image.

Stay Strong Documentary (2012)

201562038 — 2023-10-24 20:38:14 UTC

Eating Disorder

201562038 — 2023-10-26 15:22:11 UTC

In 'Stay Strong', Demi also spoke very vulnerably about her eating disorder that developed at a very young age. She recalls having body-image issues from the age of 5 when she would compete in beauty pageants. She has since described these contests as toxic and something that completely damaged her self-esteem. In this documentary, she confessed that she has purged since leaving treatment in 2011 and described it as a "daily-battle" to remain happy and healthy. This reminds us that stars, like us, are imperfect. By taking us 'behind-the-image' Demi becomes a 'real' and relatable 20-year old girl (at the time of the documentary) who is facing issues that many of us 'ordinary' people face.

Fans Responses to the Documentaries

201562038 — 2023-10-26 15:38:13 UTC

The three documentaries all received very positive responses from Lovato's fans, and even non-fans, who resonated with her struggles. She was praised for her authenticity and vulnerability as she revealed the reality of living with addiction and various mental health disorders. The positive responses from fans signifies how a star's authenticity can translate into likability.

(Fan comments from each documentary on YouTube):

"As a recovering addict, I love love love that you showed the ugly side of it all."

"I hope Demi knows how much of an impact she has sharing her story with the world. A world filled with millions who are or have struggled with the same addictions and demons. For us, to hear someone of such fame who has access to almost whatever in life imaginable... it makes us feel less alone, less of a minace to society, and understood more with such a big voice speaking out to the world."

"She has bipolar disorder, eating disorder, drug addiction and after all this she has a very unique voice, she write songs and she has a very interesting sense of humor. She is the kind of person who I wanna meet and just talk about everything :)"

"I love the way this documentary has portrayed addiction. In its true light and seriousness."

Sobriety

201562038 — 2023-11-03 10:52:42 UTC

In terms of her sobriety, Lovato has remained transparent about her journey. In many of her public appearances today, Lovato often reflects on her past self to emphasise how far she has come. This serves to inspire fans, who may be suffering from the same afflictions, that they too can rebuild themselves after a breakdown. She does not reject her previous personas, claiming that she has "no regrets", as it has allowed her to learn valuable life lessons.

In 2021, Lovato admitted to drinking and smoking cannabis in moderation but has since resumed her completely sober status. This shows that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all solution, which is something that Lovato's co-sufferers may be able to resonate with thus, adding a sense of normalcy to her image.

201562038 — 2023-11-03 10:58:55 UTC

In this short clip, “Stories of Hope and Recovery: Demi Lovato” (2013), Demi reassures those suffering from bipolar disorder that they are not alone. She also encourages her co-sufferers to seek help. This clip was created by the US Department of Health and Human Service, showing how official organisations use influential figures, such as Lovato, to raise awareness for mental health conditions. Her notoriety positions Lovato as a prominent voice for stigmatised groups, reiterating her cultural status as a keen advocate and role model.

201562038 — 2023-11-03 11:03:26 UTC

In this Huffington Post interview (2015) Lovato discusses her desire to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, in particular bipolar which is often plagued with negative stereotypes. The article also draws attention to Lovato's 'Be Vocal' campaign which Lovato set up to encourage others suffering from mental illnesses to speak openly with doctors and loved ones. This not only allows Lovato to educate and raise awareness about stigmatised conditions, but inspires others to seek help like she did. This adds to Lovato's image as a relatable star and repositions her as a role model for her young fans.

Franssen (2020): The Celebritization of Self-Care: The celebrity health narrative of Demi Lovato and the Sickscape of Mental Illness (pp. 89-111)

201562038 — 2023-11-04 11:29:05 UTC

This journal article discusses Lovato's post-2010 image following her breakdown. Franssen (2020) highlights the paradox between Lovato's former 'girl in crisis' image to her new refined image that revolves around self-care, recovery, confidence and advocacy. By disclosing her health problems to fans, Lovato was able to regain her cultural status as a role model and improve her previously tainted image. This added a layer of authenticity to her image, positioning her as a relatable and inspirational star.

Shingler Star Studies: A Critical Guide (2012: 121)

201562038 — 2023-11-04 12:47:13 UTC

The notion that a star's image can be determined by their onscreen characters heavily applies to Lovato. In the text (linked above), Shingler argues that it becomes a "virtually impossible task to distinguish between the character and the star” (2012: 121). Following her successful reign on Disney channel, Lovato expressed great difficulty being recognised as an independent mainstream artist rather than a Disney child actor. Her strong ties to Disney and her onscreen characters, particularly Mitchie Torres, meant that Lovato struggled to stray away from this association and it began impacting her off-screen identity.

Turner (2013) Understanding Celebrity: 'The Economy of Celebrity' (pp. 33-55)

201562038 — 2023-11-06 12:39:09 UTC

In this publication (linked above), Turner (2013) points to the commercial importance of cross-promotion for corporations, such as Disney. Disney has a habit of using their stars, like Lovato, during cross-promotion processes to push their audiences into new modes of consumption. Lovato provides an example of this, as she was able to move her young Camp Rock fans into a new regime of consumption - music. This is not only beneficial for the corporation, but for the celebrity as it enhances their cultural and economic value, i.e. the celebrity as a commodity.

201562038 — 2023-11-06 12:55:35 UTC

Dyer (1979): Stars

201562038 — 2023-11-06 15:21:35 UTC

Dyer's explanation that some stars root their characters in their own sense of self (1979) is synonymous with Lovato's onscreen character Mitchie Torres. Torres' development onscreen somewhat mirrors Demi's own personal journey, as they both transform from fractured young girls who lacked self-confidence, to talented and outspoken ladies.

201562038 — 2023-11-06 16:56:54 UTC

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Key

201562038 — 2023-11-08 20:55:46 UTC

PINK: Lovato's rise to fame (Disney)

BLUE: Breakdown phase (2010)

GREEN: Rebuilding (celebrity health narrative)

YELLOW: Present day

PURPLE: Academic Sources

Fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights

201562038 — 2023-11-09 13:07:24 UTC

Lovato's entry into the LGBTQ+ community has positioned her as a pinnacle voice for a group which is often plagued by negative and discriminatory discourses. In recent years, she has found herself poster-girl for LGBTQ+ rights and continues to work alongside charities and campaigns to boost awareness, support and donations for the cause. This frames Lovato as a charitable and selfless star, adding to her positive image.

201562038 — 2023-11-09 13:09:18 UTC

In 2021, Lovato partnered with the Propeller campaign to challenge recent legislations that target transgender and non-binary youths around America. Now a self-professed non-binary individual, this is a cause that is very personal to Lovato and something that also affects her despite her fame. This highlights Lovato's 'ordinariness' amidst the 'extraordinariness' of stardom as she, like many others, face challenges and resistance for merely expressing their true, authentic self.

201562038 — 2023-11-09 13:11:18 UTC

Lovato's advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community is not new. In 2017, she made a strong political statement at her Billboard Music Awards performance. She wore a shirt that displayed the sign for gender-neutral bathrooms. She did this, as well as cancelling two of her shows, after North Carolina passed a law that requires people to use public bathrooms based on the gender they were assigned at birth. Lovato sold these same shirts during her concerts, giving the proceeds to LGBTQ+ organisations and charities. Thus, Lovato's advocacy provides critical visibility for vulnerable groups, particularly the transgender community, showing how she uses her platform to address crucial, real-world issues. This serves to increase her cultural status and likability as a star.

Redmond (2014) Celebrity & the Media: The Celebrity Metronome - Celebrity Types (pp. 6-7)

201562038 — 2023-11-10 08:04:27 UTC

Rojek's (2001 - cited in Redmond, 2014) celebrity types are applicable to Demi Lovato, particularly the 'achieved celebrity'. However, some may argue that her parent's pre-existence in the industry provided Lovato with an advantage that other young aspiring stars may not get.

Achieved celebrity: Lovato's status derives primarily from her accomplishments as a talented actress and musician.

Ascribed celebrity: with Lovato's parents being entwined in the media and entertainment industries, it could be argued that they had the tools, knowledge and connections to leverage Demi's early rise to fame.