The Unforgettable Evolution of Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato's journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by a remarkable transformation, from their early days with Disney to their more recent music that bears testament to their struggles. Despite facing numerous challenges, Lovato has been unapologetically open about their past, using their experiences to inspire others to overcome adversity. Lovato first rose to fame through their performances in Disney's Camp Rock films, and even went on to star in their own show, Sonny with a Chance. However, in 2010, Lovato sought treatment for substance abuse issues.

The talented musician from New Mexico made an impressive comeback to the music industry with a string of chart-topping hits such as "Skyscraper," "Confident," "Give Your Heart a Break," "Sorry Not Sorry," and "Cool for the Summer."

Despite celebrating six years of sobriety in 2018, Lovato candidly revealed in their song "Sober" that they had relapsed. This admission was followed by a near-fatal drug overdose that led to their hospitalization in July of the same year. However, Lovato's resilience shone through as they bounced back stronger than ever after completing treatment at a rehabilitation facility.

In a January 2020 interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the singer expressed a shift in priorities towards meaningful relationships with family, friends, and their team. They expressed uncertainty as to whether this would involve a man or a woman, but expressed a desire to prioritize happiness over success. Later in July 2020, the singer announced their engagement to Max Ehrich, citing feeling "free of my demons" on Instagram.

"I never knew it was possible to feel this way," they expressed. "It's not just because I've fallen in love (although that certainly helps), but because I've spent the last two years working on myself more than I ever have before. What once used to weigh me down for weeks or even months now passes like a fleeting tropical storm, thanks to the infinite security my relationship with God provides me. Even before I had an engagement ring on my finger, I had the word 'me' to constantly remind myself that I vow to love and prioritize myself above all else. After all, you can't fully love someone else until you love yourself first. I'm thankful to God for granting me this peace and understanding, but most of all for giving me the strength to overcome my darkest moments."

Unfortunately, Lovato and Ehrich called it quits in September 2020.

In May 2021, the former Will & Grace star made a significant announcement by identifying as non-binary. Through an Instagram video, they explained that they felt most authentic by embracing the fluidity of their gender expression. Lovato expressed that this allowed them to discover and be true to their self. A year later, during an interview on the "Sprout" podcast, Lovato revealed that they would be using she/her pronouns once again, as they have been feeling more feminine.

Scroll down to revisit Lovato’s transformation through the years.

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Demi Lovato Through the Years

Demi Lovato's journey in the limelight has been marked by a transformation that spans from their early days at Disney to the present. Their unabashed honesty about their personal struggles has inspired many, as they continue to show how to rise above adversity and thrive.

Lovato's rise to fame began with their starring role in Disney Channel's Camp Rock films alongside the Jonas Brothers. They went on to have their own show, Sonny With a Chance. However, in 2010, they entered rehab for substance abuse issues.

The artist from New Mexico made a triumphant comeback in the music world, churning out popular songs such as "Skyscraper," "Confident," "Give Your Heart a Break," "Sorry Not Sorry," and "Cool for the Summer."

Despite reaching six years of sobriety in 2018, Lovato revealed in their song "Sober" that they had relapsed. The following July, they were hospitalized due to a nearly fatal drug overdose. However, they bounced back yet again after successfully completing their rehabilitation program.

In a January 2020 interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the singer expressed a desire to prioritize their personal relationships and meaningful connections over career success. "I don't know if I see it with a man or a woman, but like I just know that at some point I would love to do that this decade," they said. Despite this, Demi Lovato seemed to have found some level of happiness in their engagement to Max Ehrich in July 2020, sharing on Instagram that they felt "free of my demons."

Through the past two years, not only did I fall in love (which was amazing), but I also made tremendous progress in self-improvement. Things that once kept me down for weeks or months now pass by like fleeting tropical storms, thanks to the infinite security my relationship with God provides. Even before the engagement ring graced my finger, the word 'me' served as a constant reminder that I vow to love myself no matter what. After all, you cannot truly love another without first loving yourself. I am grateful to God for granting me this peace, understanding, and above all, the strength to overcome my darkest moments. However, Lovato and Ehrich ended their engagement in September 2020.

In May 2021, the former Will & Grace star made a significant announcement, revealing themselves as non-binary. Their decision, as they explained in an Instagram video, was prompted by a desire to be true to themselves and the fluidity they feel in their gender expression. However, during a recent interview on the "Sprout" podcast, Lovato shared that they have returned to using she/her pronouns, as they have been feeling more feminine lately.

Scroll down to revisit Lovato’s transformation through the years.

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Barney & Friends

Demi Lovato's rise to fame started with a purple flair! In 2002, at the age of 10, they landed their first major gig on Barney & Friends, where they would later meet their close friend, Selena Gomez, during the audition process. Little did they know, this would be the beginning of a successful career in the entertainment industry.

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Camp Rock

Demi Lovato's career was launched into the spotlight with her first Disney Channel Original Movie, Camp Rock, which featured the Jonas Brothers, including her future boyfriend Joe Jonas. The movie premiered in June 2008 and was watched by 8.9 million viewers, making it the third most-viewed Disney Channel Original Movie at the time. Lovato continues to perform songs from the movie during her concerts, and she holds a special place in her heart for the Jonas Brothers. "Those guys will always be close to my heart," she said in 2015. "So being able to work with them, whether it's Nick or Joe or Kevin, I'm always open to it."

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Princess Protection Program

Lovato and Gomez, childhood best friends, joined forces for the 2009 Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program. Lovato shared during a 2010 interview that it was challenging for them to portray on-screen bickering, as they had never argued before. Despite the difficulty, Lovato also noted that it was a fun experience.

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First Big Breakup

Lovato and Joe Jonas, her costar from Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, ended their short-lived romantic relationship in May 2010. Jonas stated that he chose to end things, but still cares for her deeply as a friend. In a 2013 essay for New York Magazine, Jonas reflected on their time together and revealed that he witnessed Lovato's struggles with drug abuse. He felt torn between wanting to help her and feeling unhappy in their relationship, but staying because he thought she needed him.

Getting Help

After joining the Jonas Brothers Live in Concert Tour, Lovato's struggles with addiction led her to enter a rehab facility in November 2010. In a 2013 interview with Access Hollywood, Lovato revealed, "I couldn't go 30 minutes to an hour without cocaine, and I would bring it on airplanes. I would smuggle it basically and just wait until everyone in first class would go to sleep, and I would do it right there. I'd sneak to the bathroom, and I'd do it."

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Stay Strong

After completing a three-month rehabilitation program, Lovato emerged as a transformed individual. During their appearance on 20/20 in April 2011, they opened up to Robin Roberts about their struggles with substance abuse, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and self-harm. In the poignant interview, they revealed, "The phase of my life that I went through was incredibly dark. I was battling severe depression, and the only way I could cope was through my eating disorder. Over the years, I have struggled with cross addictions."

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Sisterly Love

Demi Lovato has often expressed gratitude towards their younger half-sister, Madison De La Garza, who appeared on Desperate Housewives, for providing much-needed support during their rehab journey. Lovato revealed on 20/20 that even during the toughest times, they would constantly remind themselves to set an example for their little sister. Lovato added that on days when they felt like giving up, a picture of their beloved sibling on the bulletin board would motivate them to keep pushing forward.

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Rising From the Ground

Lovato poured their heart and soul into the music video for their single "Skyscraper" released in July 2011, marking their first inspirational ballad since leaving rehab. The song's emotional lyrics resonated with fans who related to Lovato's personal struggles, making it one of their most widely recognized and cherished songs. "Skyscraper" set record sales for Lovato and debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 100 chart, cementing their place as a powerhouse in the music industry.

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The X Factor

The artist joined The X Factor cast in May 2012, where they frequently engaged in verbal battles with the show's creator, Simon Cowell. Lovato commented in 2013, "He's still the same! He hasn't changed much. Maybe he's a little nicer this year because I'm around, but he's pretty much the same." After two seasons, they left the reality show to focus on their music career, even taking contestants Fifth Harmony and UK stars Little Mix on tour with them.

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Demi as Dani

Lovato took on a new challenge while still on The X Factor by appearing on another hit Fox show, Glee. In the four episodes, Lovato played Dani, Santana's brief love interest portrayed by Naya Rivera. In 2013, Lovato expressed her excitement for the opportunity to act again, stating, "I really didn't think I'd be acting again so soon, but I'm really glad this came along." On the first day of shooting, Lovato met Rivera for the first time and had to kiss her for the scene.

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Under the Neon Lights

Following their departure from The X Factor, Lovato embarked on their first major worldwide tour, the Neon Lights Tour, in February 2014. After its conclusion in June of the same year, they began the Demi World Tour, which spanned from September 2014 to July 2015.

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Real Life Romance

Despite starting their relationship right before Lovato's entrance into rehab in 2010, the couple of Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama remained relatively private about their romance for the first few years. Lovato has attributed their overcoming of various struggles to the help and support of Valderrama, the star of That '70s Show. In 2015, Lovato shared with Us that while they don't disclose everything to the public, they feel comfortable sharing a lot with each other.

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Sexy for the Summer

Demi Lovato made waves in July 2015 with the release of their single, “Cool for the Summer,” which was their sexiest song to date. The accompanying music video featured the former child star flaunting their sexuality in a range of revealing outfits. Lovato believes that it's important for artists to grow with their fans, stating, “Your fans want to grow with you... when you make music it reflects your life and I’m a lot older now so of course it’s not going to be about the same thing I was singing about when I was 16 or 17.”

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Calling it Quits

Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama called it quits in June 2016 after being in a relationship for six years. In a statement posted on Instagram, the former couple expressed that they have come to the realization that they are better off as close friends, and they will always support each other no matter what.

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New Love

The “Tell Me You Love Me” crooner started seeing MMA fighter Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos in July 2016, but the duo broke up in May 2017.

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Coming Clean

In an incredibly candid documentary called Simply Complicated, the former Sonny With a Chance star opened up about their struggles with addiction, journey to recovery, and their sexuality. This revealing documentary was released in October of 2017.

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Six Years Sober

In March 2018, the talented artist behind "Sorry Not Sorry" marked a significant achievement and expressed gratitude for another year of joy, health, and happiness in a tweet. Their message also conveyed the belief that it is indeed possible to achieve such blessings.

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Tough Time

In June 2018, Lovato made a confession about their relapse through the heartfelt lyrics of their song “Sober.” However, just a month later, the singer was rushed to the hospital after an apparent drug overdose following a night of partying at their Hollywood home. During the recovery process, Lovato received an outpouring of support from fellow celebrities, including the Jonas Brothers.

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Clean Again

After completing over 90 days of treatment, Lovato left rehab in November 2018. Her mother, Dianna De La Garza, expressed her gratitude and pride for her daughter on “Conversations With Maria Menounos” just days before.

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A Big Day

In December 2018, the talented pop star was nominated for their second Grammy award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration with Christina Aguilera on the song "Fall in Line." Overjoyed by the news, Lovato expressed their gratitude on Twitter, thanking Aguilera and stating how much they loved her. Lovato also shared a personal anecdote about growing up in Texas and singing along to Aguilera's music every day, trying to hit her high notes. The Grammy nomination with Aguilera was a dream come true for Lovato, who never imagined such success in their career.

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New Romance?

Following her stint in rehab, Lovato was seen with Henry Levy on multiple occasions. The clothing designer and the singer were spotted sharing a kiss after a dinner date at Nobu in Malibu in December 2018. Levy, who is the founder of Enfants Riches Déprimés, is also a rehab veteran and had his first stay at the age of 15.

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Movin’ On!

In March 2019, Us confirmed that Lovato parted ways with Levy. The split came four months after they sparked dating rumors following a dinner date in November 2018. 

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The Start of Something New

In May 2019, Lovato took to Instagram to announce that they had a new manager, Scooter Braun, who would be instrumental in their upcoming musical era. Lovato expressed their excitement and gratitude, thanking Braun for believing in them and for being a part of this new journey. The celebratory post featured a photo of Lovato and Braun smiling together, surrounded by signed contracts, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in Lovato's career.

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Making a Comeback

Demi Lovato gave fans a sneak peek into their upcoming seventh studio album in June 2019, with an Instagram selfie taken in a recording studio. The caption, "Making magic," hinted at the exciting things to come. Lovato later revealed on their Instagram Stories that their new record would share their personal perspective, regardless of any potential backlash. Fans eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated album.

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A Permanent Mark

Demi Lovato has always been an advocate of body art, and in June 2019, the singer surprised her fans with a tattoo that carried a powerful message. The new ink on her ring finger simply said, “me,” which signifies her commitment to prioritize herself above everything else. According to Lovato, the tattoo serves as a constant reminder to always put herself first. Earlier that same year, she also had tattoos dedicated to her late dog on her ankle and a tribute to her beloved grandmother, whom she fondly called “Mimaw.”

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Almost 27!

Lovato celebrated the eve of their 27th birthday in August 2019, sharing a playful mirror selfie on Instagram. The singer looked effortlessly chic in a leather jacket, black shades, and a white crop top. With their tongue sticking out, Lovato captioned the photo "Last day as 26," bidding farewell to another year of their life.

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Bachelorette

Back in July 2019, Lovato was seen flirting with Mike Johnson, a contestant from season 15 of The Bachelorette. As we reported, the two started "casually dating" in September of the same year, but it was not a serious relationship. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't ideal for the couple, and they decided to slow things down the following month. Us magazine confirmed the news, stating that the pair "pumped the brakes" due to unfavorable timing.

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New Guy

Lovato made headlines in November 2019 after introducing her new boyfriend, Austin Wilson, to her fans on Instagram. The singer posted a black-and-white photo of the couple with the caption, "My [heart]." However, their relationship was short-lived as they confirmed their breakup just a month later. In an Instagram post, Lovato acknowledged that breakups are difficult for both parties involved and urged her followers to stay kind and offer prayers.

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Back on the Small Screen

The actress returned to their TV roots, guest-starring as a surrogate on the final season of Will & Grace in 2020.  

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Last Boyfriend?

Us broke the news in March 2020 that the singer was dating Max Ehrich. An insider noted at the time that the duo “met a few weeks” prior.  

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Future Mrs. Ehrich

Lovato and Ehrich got engaged in July 2020 after a whirlwind romance. Via Instagram, they expressed their love for each other and how they felt unconditionally loved, flaws and all. They also appreciated how they made each other want to be the best version of themselves. Lovato expressed her excitement to start a family and life with Ehrich and declared her love for him, forever and always.

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Splitsville

Lovato and Ehrich called off their engagement in September 2020, with Ehrich claiming that he learned about the split through online articles. In the aftermath, Lovato opened up about how the breakup prompted them to explore their sexuality further.

"I recently ended my engagement with a man and realized it was a sign that I am too queer to be with a cis man," they shared with Glamour magazine in March 2021. "I feel a sense of relief that I can now live my truth. After hooking up with a girl, I realized that I enjoy it more and it just feels right. I now appreciate the friendships of those who share my identity more than romantic relationships, and I no longer desire romance from anyone of the opposite sex."

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Post-Overdose Lifestyle

In the documentary Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil, Lovato provided a detailed account of their overdose in 2018. They disclosed experiencing three strokes and a heart attack as a result of the incident. Recently, in an interview with Glamour, Lovato expressed their desire to achieve a "balance" with substance use, similar to their approach to managing their eating disorder. They hope to allow themselves to indulge in certain foods without experiencing shame or guilt.

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Honesty Hour

Lovato bravely opened up about their struggles in their documentary, Dancing With the Devil, released in March 2021. They shared that following their near-fatal overdose in 2018, they experienced a relapse, which was compounded by the fact that their dealer sexually assaulted them. Additionally, the “Anyone” singer disclosed that they had been a victim of rape at the young age of 15, which ultimately resulted in the loss of their virginity.

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Coming Out

After engaging in a lot of introspection and self-care, Lovato publicly declared their gender identity as non-binary and announced their preference for they/them pronouns in May of 2021. In an Instagram post, they acknowledged that they are still in the process of self-discovery and are not claiming to be an authority or representative of the non-binary community.

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Offering an Update

In August of 2022, Lovato expanded their pronouns to include "she/her." In an interview on the "Spout" podcast during the same month, the musician explained that she made the switch because she has been feeling more feminine lately.

Credit: Courtesy Demi Lovato/Instagram

A New Man

Demi Lovato confirmed her relationship with Jordan Lutes, whom she collaborated with on her eighth studio album. In an Instagram tribute from Lutes on Lovato's birthday in August 2022, she expressed her gratitude for having the "best boyfriend in the world" and shared how much laughter, smiles, and love he brings to her life.

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Dealing With Her Health

Demi Lovato faced a setback on her Holy Fvck tour when she had to cancel a show due to losing her voice. This incident occurred just a month after the former Disney Channel star hinted at the possibility of not continuing her tour.

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Pronoun Confusion

In a June 2023 interview with GQ Hype, Lovato discussed their use of she/her pronouns in addition to they/them. The singer explained that constantly having to educate people and explain their choice was exhausting.

Though they “got tired” of the constant explanation, Lovato said it’s for “that very reason” she knows “it is important to continue spreading the word” about pronoun awareness.