Demi Lovato’s life has been under the spotlight since she was 15 years old, starring in Disney’s Camp Rock. Now, as she prepares to release her upcoming documentary, Child Star, Lovato opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, seeking to understand the impact of child stardom on her life and others.
In a recent cooking class at Gwen, a hip Hollywood steakhouse, Lovato shared her thoughts on the pressures of fame, mental health struggles, and her newfound passion for cooking. With her directorial debut, Child Star, premiering on September 17 on Hulu, Lovato explores the darker side of child stardom, featuring conversations with fellow former child stars Drew Barrymore and Christina Ricci.
Lovato’s own experiences with fame began at age 10 on Barney & Friends, followed by her breakout role in Camp Rock and the Disney show Sonny With a Chance. However, she quickly discovered that fame came with a price. “It was bittersweet because it was all I wanted, and it was miserable,” Lovato reflects. She struggled with substance use, an eating disorder, and bipolar disorder, all while maintaining a polished public image.
The documentary delves into the complexities of Lovato’s relationship with fame, seeking answers to questions she’s long grappled with. “Would things have turned out differently had I not been in the public eye? I don’t know. And that’s what I’m still learning,” Lovato says. Child Star also aims to raise awareness about the need for legislation protecting child social media influencers, who face similar pressures without adequate safeguards.
Beyond her professional struggles, Lovato’s personal life has found stability with her fiancé, Jordan Lutes. The couple plans to wed in 2025, and Lovato envisions starting a family, albeit with firm boundaries regarding their children’s public presence. “I don’t even want to share their faces in pictures on Instagram when they’re born,” Lovato asserts, seeking anonymity for her future family.
As Lovato navigates her future, she acknowledges the paradox of her situation – critiquing child fame while benefiting from it. “I oftentimes think about what I want to do with my future, and I don’t know what that looks like yet,” Lovato admits. “But I felt like I had to go back to the beginning to figure that out.” Through Child Star and her continued self-reflection, Lovato seeks to reclaim her narrative, exploring what she loves about her work and what she fought for when it seemed lost.
With Child Star, Lovato invites viewers to reconsider the consequences of child stardom and the importance of protecting young talents. As she maps out her next chapter, Lovato remains committed to her craft, seeking balance between her public persona and private life.
