"Turning 30 to me has been like, I'm excited for my 30s and what that holds." — Demi Lovato
"And so I guarded myself from that relationship and he didn't have a say, but he was proud. He was really proud when I would talk to him. It was really proud." — Demi Lovato
"And so I developed my own eating disorder and that bled into my career as well." — Demi Lovato
The episode features a candid conversation between Alex Cooper and Demi Lovato, who reflects on her journey from childhood fame to her current status as a public figure. Lovato shares her anxieties surrounding turning 30, contrasting it with the "mess" of her 20s where she was still discovering her identity. She discusses the immense pressure of early career demands, including touring, album releases, and filming movies simultaneously, which led to burnout and, at times, unhealthy coping mechanisms. The conversation delves into Lovato's experiences with bullying in school, her struggles with eating disorders, and the profound impact of her father's absence and mental health challenges.
Lovato details the control exerted by her team during her early career, particularly concerning her food intake and personal life, drawing parallels to the pressures faced by other young artists. She recounts instances where her well-being was secondary to maintaining a public image, including being barricaded in her hotel room to prevent her from eating. This period, from roughly age 18 to 25, was characterized by a lack of autonomy. Lovato expresses her empowerment at having overcome this, emphasizing her newfound voice and determination to be her own boss. The discussion also touches upon her experiences with sexual assault and the ongoing process of healing from trauma.
The latter half of the episode focuses on Lovato's new music, explaining that her latest album reflects a journey from anger to embracing her sexuality and ultimately to love. She discusses the inspiration behind her song "29," which addresses the complexities of a relationship with a significant age gap during her younger years, highlighting the importance of consent and awareness. Lovato also shares that she is currently dating someone and that finding a partner who makes her laugh is paramount. She expresses excitement for her upcoming tour, where she plans to perform her hits in a style that feels authentic to her current musical direction, aiming for comfort and self-expression on stage.