Stardom may seem like a dream come true to some, but Demi Lovato’s path to fame was not an easy one.  Put in the spotlight at the impressionable age of sixteen, Lovato battled eating disorders, addiction, rape, and self-harm.  Her newest album, Dancing With the Devil… The Art of Starting Over, focuses on the idea that she will take back the power that these “demons” once held over her. 

“It was heartbreaking to hear about the horrors of Hollywood and the pressures experienced from teenage stars from someone who experienced it first hand,” said freshman Ella Kane.

The album consists of nineteen songs that document her twenty-eight years of life.  Many of the songs center around Lovato’s heroin overdose in July 2018.  She revealed that her eating disorder and substance abuse issues relapsed months before the incident.  The overdose has left a big impact on her almost three years later, both physically and emotionally.  

In nearly an hour’s time on the album, Lovato captures her journey against what led up to her overdose and the effect it had on her.  

“It’s amazing how she was able to convey her entire life’s story in the span of a few songs,” said freshman Holly Sternlicht.

The album’s three-song prologue, including “Anyone,” “Dancing With the Devil,” and “ICU,” concentrate on the star’s struggle with loneliness and the moments before and after hospitalization.  Lovato sings, “A hundred million stories and a hundred million songs; I feel stupid when I sing, nobody’s listening to me,” giving insight into her desperation and longing to find peace in her music during this time. 

“I was touched hearing about the horrible things she faced throughout her experience with fame,” said freshman Taylor Schorr.

Following this somber introduction, the album expands to look at Lovato’s strides to become her highest self.  This idea of moving forward and turning her back on the person she once was is a key theme.  

In her music video for “Dancing With the Devil,” Lovato recreates the tragic moments before, after, and during the overdose in extreme detail. She even replicates the hair, makeup, and outfit from the fatal night, making a note of one of her most valued tattoos that reads “survivor.”  Prior to its release, Lovato posted a clip of the video on her Instagram, sharing that the experience was extremely difficult to relive during the shoot, but that she is happy to be here to help others. 

“I think it’s so noble of her to face something scary for her to inspire others,” said freshman Natasha Rabman.