Demi Lovato is opening up about her experiences as a child star, sharing how working on her documentary Child Star provided a sense of healing. The 32-year-old singer spoke candidly about the process during her appearance at the Teen Vogue Summit, revealing that the journey allowed her to honor and heal her inner child.
In an interview with People, Lovato expressed how revisiting her past struggles was deeply therapeutic. “The whole journey was really healing for me. Honoring the truth of my inner child was really healing for me,” she said. The documentary, which features Lovato and other former child actors like Alyson Stoner, Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, and Raven-Symoné, highlights the unique challenges of growing up in the spotlight.
Lovato explained how the process of acknowledging her past struggles allowed her to “honor her inner child”—the version of herself that didn’t have the chance to experience a normal childhood due to her early rise to fame. “Going back and acknowledging my struggles was honoring my inner child and holding space for my younger self… that didn’t get to live a normal childhood in my younger years,” she shared.
Child Star not only explores the individual experiences of these former child actors but also created a sense of community. For Lovato, the film marked her directorial debut, and she found solace in connecting with others who shared similar experiences. “It really created a sense of community and made us feel less alone to share our experiences, even though we may have felt so isolated in them,” Lovato said. “So I think being able to talk to the participants of the film really was encouraging and therapeutic for me.”
Demi Lovato’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 2002 with Barney & Friends, but it was her breakout role in Camp Rock that truly propelled her into stardom. As she continues to reflect on the highs and lows of growing up in the public eye, Child Star offers an honest look at the complexities of childhood fame and the emotional toll it can take.
With this documentary, Lovato not only finds closure but also encourages others who have faced similar struggles to share their stories, creating a space for healing and understanding.
