"Demi Lovato Reflects on Childhood Stardom: ‘I Was a Tiny Tornado with a Big Ego and a Disney Contract’”
!Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
In the upcoming documentary *Child Star*, Demi Lovato dives into their rollercoaster ride of adolescent fame, revealing that being a Disney Channel darling wasn't all glitz and glam—it was more like a high-pressure reality show where the star was a moody teenager with a wardrobe vendetta.
Speaking to *The Hollywood Reporter*, Lovato opened up about the guilt and regret that still haunt them from their time as a child star. “I didn’t realize that child stardom could be traumatic—although, in hindsight, being surrounded by sparkly mouse ears 24/7 should’ve been a red flag,” Lovato mused.
Apparently, the set of *Sonny With a Chance* wasn’t just a place of laughter and learning; it was also where Demi perfected the art of the mood swing. “I think about the wardrobe department—I must’ve been their worst nightmare,” Lovato admitted, adding that she’s now on a first-name basis with remorse. “And let’s not even talk about the guest stars or Camp Rock 2... I was basically a walking thunderstorm in Ugg boots.”
And if you thought grounding a regular teenager was tough, try grounding one who’s holding the family purse strings. Lovato recalled the awkward power dynamics at home, where being the breadwinner didn’t exactly make her the poster child for humility. “I’d be like, ‘But I pay the bills,’ which, in hindsight, probably wasn’t my best look.”
Now 32 and happily in love with fiancé Jutes, Lovato is considering a future with kids—but she’s putting her foot down on them entering showbiz before they hit adulthood. “I’m all for supporting their dreams, but they’re not skipping childhood to jump into Hollywood’s pressure cooker. They can have their fun with scales and arpeggios until they’re 18.”
*Child Star*, featuring interviews with fellow former kid celebs like Drew Barrymore and Kenan Thompson, lands on Hulu on Sept. 17, bringing you a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when child stars grow up—and finally get to apologize.