Crush: Hollywood’s Next GenerationDemi Lovato: Why I Almost Quit Entertainment Business After Rehab
When Demi Lovato left rehab last January after completing 90 days for a variety of issues, including an eating disorder, depression, and cutting, the former Disney superstar debated returning to the spotlight. After all, it was the pressures of fame -- and the scrutiny that came along with it -- that landed her in the position she was in. "I thought, 'I'm exhausted, people don't understand and so many people are being negative towards me,'" the 19-year-old says in a new interview with UK's Metro. "It's hard. There are so many pressures that are put on you when you're in the industry. But I love doing it, I love singing. I don't want to give that up just because the going gets tough."
And Lovato will be sharing that path with the world in her MTV documentary, "Stay Strong," named after the message she got tattooed across her wrists after she left rehab. The hour-long special, which will premiere on March 6, follows the singer behind the scenes as she was promoting her post-rehab album, Unbroken, and still dealing with her issues, which she is very candid about in the doc. "I wanted to share my story, but I knew it had to be honest, it had to be real," Lovato said in a statement. "I have daily challenges, but so do many kids who are struggling to feel comfortable in their own skin. If opening up and sharing my story inspires even one person to stay strong or to get the help they need, I've succeeded."
Another inspiration for Lovato to return to her music career was her fans, many of whom are suffering from the same problems she continues to deal with on a daily basis. "They've said I'm an inspiration for helping them deal with their issues, whether that's eating disorders or cutting themselves," says the onetime "Sonny With a Chance" star, who went into rehab after punching one of her backup dancers while on tour with the Jonas Brothers in 2010. "I didn't expect that to happen. I just wanted to be a singer. It's taken me on a more meaningful journey."
In addition to getting the "Stay Strong" tattoo, Lovato also inked a small heart on her wrist in honor of her fans. She also tells Metro that her Lovatics, as she has nicknamed them, "used to draw on their wrists every day that I was in treatment. I thought what better way to say thank you than to get one tattooed on my wrist. It was incredible to have that support and I wouldn't be in the position I'm in today without them. I look at my wrists every day and I'm very thankful to my fans."
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