How to Murder Your Career: Demi Lovato And The Disney Curse

[@theswiftologist]

Sign up to Riverside FOR FREE using creators.riverside.fm/Swiftologist, and use my coupon code 'Swiftologist' for 15% off paid plans!

[@tikitopia]

Who next? I can give you a clue, but I don't want to take the fun out of you guessing, besides the gigantic billboard with her name blinking in neon letters.. No guess still? Last try, just look at the also gigantic picture of her face shown right below her name.... ... ... ..... ...... You Nailed it! , xTina, but of course!

[@theskeptic777]

Personally, I loved Holy Fvck as someone who became a fan of Demi after her initial debut and beginnings. Perhaps it’s because I relate to her story and her music more but to me Dancing with the Devil and Holy Fvck were so good. Revamped also gave me probably my favorite song ever? La La Land just HITS.

[@mikadre121]

it would be interesting an episode on Bebe Rexha, Rita Ora, Ava Max, those artists who have popular songs but no fans, to explain this phenomenon

[@chrisr728]

YESSS those have always baffled me. It’s like the MattressFirm mafia front thing in pop girl form

[@louyou5667]

Every time I read Ritas name I think of D'Angelos influencer 19 video

[@cityboy2092]

Think that’s an easy explanation: no real personality in their work. You could swap all 3 of them with one another on practically every single song each of them has ever made and nothing would change. Pop music is all about personality and image. Catchy hooks are super important, but I think very few people, if any, have ever heard a song from any of these 3 and then been curious to listen to an entire album

[@dr.pepperbiggestfan]

@@chrisr728in sorry, the what???

[@singingwithbecca]

I love Ava Max specifically SO MUCH but have also never gotten into the fandom that much and I wonder why that is

[@aquajewlz1]

“Imagine if, in high school, you and your frenemies had warring factions of fans weighing in on your behavior towards each other” That really puts things in perspective

[@theswiftologist]

ikr.....

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

I lowkey did 😭😭 the social media age was a fun time to grow up

[@Mel-jl8dt]

I think another issue with Demi, her life is pretty much the one of the one of an addict in recovery and relapse. It shows in her career, but I do think one of the biggest trigger for relapse is that she continues to make an album, talk about her struggle, return to spotlight. For her own sake she shouldn't return to spotlight and just make her music and release without pushing. Obviously she will go back to her demons if she keeps going where she got sick

[@DianaOsazenaye]

yeah

[@justjoannak]

I totally agree

[@joelparkinson3562]

i completely agree with you - as much as i would LOVE to see demi have a huge main pop girl moment, i think the scenario you stated above would be healthiest for her

[@chilli-l8c]

You can’t forget she’s in for the money too. She makes money out of those documentaries too

[@hothotheat3000]

I really think she keeps relapsing because she gets attention from it. She doesn’t get headlines unless her lifeless body is found in her house. She’s as addicted to attention as she is to substances.

[@lisabetger7636]

Really thought you were gonna say Miley was the heir, Selena was the spare, and Demi was just...there.

[@meghansullivan6812]

Oh that’s good!

[@theswiftologist]

ooooh much better!

[@tiffprendergast]

Miley sucks Selena is classy & Demi is crazy

[@TheDhanaMC]

@@tiffprendergast selenators refuse to grow up like their "classy" rolemodel.

[@alianne92]

Can I just say I LOVE how clearly structured your essays are? Writer-ologist on the scene because there’s always a thesis statement, supporting arguments, and a clear conclusion. Every piece of supporting evidence clearly points to the statement you’re making, and it always feels so satisfying to move through one of your videos.

[@theswiftologist]

thank you diva!!!!!

[@SulaNewf]

@@alianne92 Agree. Well thought out and balanced.

[@kassianistevens]

@@theswiftologist I came because you talked about Taylor, I nearly left because you used to come across as very judgy about people loving Taylor songs you thought were bad, and I've stayed to watch your growth as a creator and because you have made me think about a lot of things in ways I never would have before. You have a wonderful mind and perspective, even though there are plenty of things I don't agree with you on. You always make me think. I believe you operate with compassion, consideration, and a nuance that is rarely seen these days. I think you're a great influence on the younger generations. Keep being you, Zach.

[@tinyfrog881]

Agreed! This video randomly popped up on my feed but I knew within the first minute that the hour+ would be worth it

[@joaomiguellauria1226]

We want you dissecting Avril Lavigne's career. Her fall out is crazy

[@theswiftologist]

my forever icon

[@tylerhartman3034]

Oh yes!! PLEASE do a video on Avril she's one of my top 5 favorite artists and I feel like people don't talk about her impact and influence enough

[@abbeywallisch1238]

Tldr her fall out is like 30% her self titled album and 70% having lymes disease.

[@nicorizzo5402]

​@@abbeywallisch1238Her self titled album was fucking awesome though.

[@ellehampton8804]

YES!!! Would also love a deep dive into how so many people readily believe that Avril was replaced by Melissa. It’s a conspiracy theory embraced by many people who don’t believe in conspiracy theories.

[@raphynette]

One thing i think is important to keep in mind when comparing Miley, Selena & Demi is that they did not have the same circumstances. Selena & Demi were the bread winners of their respective families, that’s a huge responsibility shouldering this kind of thing as a teen or young adult m. Miley, on top of being a white girl, had a nuclear, wealthy and connected family, and I think an overall stronger support system in my opinion. I’m sure that didn’t shield Miley from every single fucked up thing happening behind closed doors but her mom & dad were hands on and that does count for something when navigating the industry.

[@luciaalicea8186]

Yeah. Great point

[@cakt1991]

Yeah, this is true. While her parents (especially her father) had their issues, I respect Miley’s parents for really prioritizing her needs, both personally and career-wise, and generally (as far as we can tell) setting aside their differences until she was an adult, and not even fully splitting up until all their kids were over 18. And for all that the personal stuff has come to dominate the headlines recently, Miley still credits her dad for helping pave the way for her and her mom has been consistently involved in her career, and allowed her to experiment and explore in a safe way. By contrast, Demi’s relationship with her bio dad was always toxic and her being the breadwinner of for her family instilled the “work like an adult, party like an adult” mindset as a teenager. And while Selena’s issues also didn’t come to fruition fully until she was an adult either, her conflict particularly with her mom’s involvement as her manager shares parallels with Demi’s, particularly as it relates to her mental health struggles and the fact that she also felt the burden of having to support her family from a young age.

[@jettriggs5388]

are Selena and Demi not white girls as well? Latina yes but still white lol

[@cakt1991]

@ that’s another good point, especially given the current discourse with Selena and Emilia Perez! Both have Latino fathers, but in both cases, those are the parents that they are either estranged from (Demi) or at least not as close to due to lack of proximity (Selena). To be fair, in Demi’s case, her stepdad Eddie (who I believe co-managed her for a while) is also Mexican-American, although her mother is white. Meanwhile, Selena’s mom and stepdad Brian, are both white. Selena has recently said she grew up speaking Spanish, but ended up losing it as she started taking on more English speaking roles and moved to LA and whatnot, and “didn’t have time” to brush up on her Spanish prior to Emilia Perez (something some critics have pushed back on due to her wealth and resources, plus it not being the first Spanish project she’s done). Compared to Selena, Demi has avoided “cashing in” on her “Latin”-ness for the most part, only doing a couple Spanish language songs, like the Spanish versions of “This is Me” and “Skyscraper,” and the Luis Fonsi collab Zach mentioned. But both of them have really only leaned into that side when it was time to make money, with them benefiting from being biracial and leaning into their white American side more often than not. It doesn’t mean they weren’t otherwise less privileged than Miley due to class and family issues, but they weren’t impacted by race issues in the same way, say, Raven was.

[@theswiftologist]

very true!

[@cj3617]

You’re such a good writer it’s actually insane. Like the content is so original and you’re a wordsmith on top of that. Every video from you is such a gift tbh

[@theswiftologist]

thank you so much!! xx

[@jenjenbeingbored]

Interesting how you point out how Scooter was the one to push Demi to dive into using her trauma in her music and the impact that could have had on Demi. Ariana said Scooter pushed her to put one of her songs (I think it was ghostin) on her album even though she didn't want too as it was too painful. That man loves to push women to monetise their trauma for his benefit I guess

[@theswiftologist]

the evil always goes back to his ass

[@tiffprendergast]

Yup

[@parientou]

"Ah finally, a swiftologist video" I say as if I haven't been rewatching your old videos and listening to EOAS all day.

[@dcwnbqd.ৎ]

@@parientou REALEST SHT EVER

[@ChillwithLaurenZen]

Same 🤣

[@SamanthaTallman]

Literally same

[@kayleeparr8635]

i relate to this so heavily

[@lakenrutland8877]

LITERALLY

[@Gokturrkk]

as a die-hard demi lovato stan since i was 13, i gotta admit that this video is the only on point video regarding her entire career! thanks to swiftologist for being the only credible source of pop culture 🤝🏼

[@theswiftologist]

thanks for saying that!!!

[@camryncaserta5076]

I agree! The phenomenon that is Demi’s career has always interested me, but nobody has laid it all out so clearly and coherently as you did! Seriously, you’re amazing!

[@Metadatamatas]

I have to say that your levels of insight and empathy, whilst remaining in critique-mode, always impresses me.

[@mylittlepeonies8693]

The commodification of her struggles is truly the most messed up part because not only did her story became tragedy porn but people are also incredibly fickle and self righteous. They’re willing to root for a very specific version of a person but once that image they’ve created is broken, like through the bakery incident, all that alleged love and empathy is withdrawn even though at its core the issue stemmed from the problems that have almost cost her her life and it reinforces that the only thing people are interested in is your rise from the ashes and that is the most difficult cycle to break out of when attention is your bread and butter and probably how you determine your worth

[@Dolphinboi]

When Demi does problematic stuff you use mental health as an excuse but when a poc man like lil nas x does problematic things (even when he was a teen) suddenly this type of empathy or logic isn’t applied to him

[@nicorizzo5402]

​@Dolphinboi Mental health isn't an "excuse", it's an explanation. As a recovering anorexic and bulimic, Demi's reaction may not have been the most rational but it was completely understandable, and too many people gave them much more hate than they really deserved. I think LNX only really gets hate from homophobes and Christians.

[@samanthalang2211]

The fact that this is a length of a movie AND you moved recently is insane to me. Bravo

[@theswiftologist]

stupidest project i ever took on skldnfklsdlnfsdnl

[@homidjohn]

About her bipolar, she would later say that she was misdiagnosed and that it was later revised to ADHD. I think this is where she also added she regrets making several documentaries focusing on her mental health that she was still figuring out herself.

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

The whole adderal thing probably threw a wrench into the process of diagnosis because there’s the added stigma of “abusing” something that could have been prescribed with a formal diagnosis Like “oh she has to be some kind of addict because she can’t function without adderal, that’s totally what is happening and not the medication working as intended!”

[@fionaearp8032]

It also looks like more recently, she's talked about being relieved to receive her bipolar diagnosis and how well it fit her experiences? so idk where she's at with diagnoses but I don't need to know

[@homidjohn]

@@fionaearp8032 Must've missed that but I wrote what I wrote from memory right after double checking with her Wikipedia page.

[@mcnoneya]

Idk I still think she has bipolar.. it runs in my family and my family members some manage it well and others didn’t so yea you can have it well managed but it doesn’t mean you will suddenly become “polar” she’s to back and forth, up and down.. imo. I could be wrong, I’m no doctor, I don’t claim to be ACTUALLY diagnosing her, I’m just saying I don’t believe she doesn’t have it. Selena has said she has it. It can look different on different people. I have family members that others are surprised to find out they have it, but they also don’t see what I see. .. it can be exhausting, you love them and know they can’t help it but you also have to take care of your own mental health.

[@blogistuff4383]

​@mcnoneya just from everything I've seen, obviously I don't know her personally, I think she still is being treated for bipolar disorder even though she said at that one point that she thinks she was misdiagnosed.

[@ManuelaMoraes]

The way I, an OBSESSED Demi fan from 2009-2014, am watching this video and REMEMBERING everything that went down during this period of time 😭😭😭 IT WAS RARE, I WAS THERE

[@JuanMardson]

Passei pela mesma coisa assistindo haha

[@hrts4dlm]

I was younger than 10 and I was still keeping up with the drama lol

[@abigailalma]

the amount of stuff i have crocheted to your yt and pod in combo would actually blow your mind, thanks for the food king!!

[@theswiftologist]

welll yesss we love to support the arts and crafts

[@the.annethology]

sameee my house thanks the Swiftologist as i became a homebodyist with all the damn housechores i complete whenever new eps drop 😆

[@abigailalma]

@@theswiftologistpatrons of the arts fr

[@hilariparsons9937]

​@the.annethology same!! Every Sunday is house cleaning and the swiftologist for my weekly reset

[@kianna270]

Me too!!! Currently still finishing my moms Christmas blanket 😂

[@dcwnbqd.ৎ]

HERE FOR THE NEW SETUP.

[@theswiftologist]

as you should be!!!

[@dcwnbqd.ৎ]

@@theswiftologist YES DIVA

[@meganimhoff1302]

It looks great

[@michellej2731]

Very scholarly, we are seated!

[@LisaBright15]

I think Demi seems so comfortable now and like she's just living life like a 'normal' person and she finally seems okay with that. I like her little cooking videos on Instagram knowing that food was once a bad obsession for her. I hope she makes more albums but like Katy Perry, I think Vegas would love to host her for awhile. I think she'd be perfect there plus live a more normal life there. I don't like comparing her life to Selena or Miley. They all have their special qualities.

[@keiry1449]

No because I wanted to BE Demi so bad back in the day. The get back music video changed my life and literally opened a whole new aesthetic I was GAGGED. We also don’t give her enough credit for her comedic timing in Sonny with a Chance and her chemistry with sterling knight was chef’s kiss. I’ve supported Demi throughout each album but it’s so hard to clap and cheer when she doesn’t build on the things that work. I’ll always have empathy for my girl though!

[@ca-ke9493]

I loved Sonny with a Chance! Out of Miley Selena and Demi I think Demi had the best chemistry with her male costars - Joe Jonas and Sterling Knight in Camp Rock and Sonny with a Chance. Music wise Miley and Demi were actually pretty on par, Demi was for the alt girlies and she had great pop rock songs like La La Land. I think it's a testament to Demi's talent that she still managed to get success despite how public her meltdowns are and continue to be. I wonder if her meltdowns were not so publicized if her image would be completely different.

[@asdfghjkII]

Your point at the end about Demi’s cycle of self-exploitation is so fascinating. The reason it’s so important that popstars project authenticity is because the popstar persona is symbiotic with the strength of the parasocial relationship with the fans. I think Demi’s relapse after her first documentary shattered that illusion because she showed the public in no uncertain terms that she was capable of duplicity. It seemed everything she said or did after that was picked apart and perceived as untrustworthy even when she was being emotionally honest. I don’t think she was ever quite able to regain her footing after that, and it’s a shame, because I think she’s a creative and perceptive storyteller. I’ll always root for her.

[@FinalGirl228]

I’ll always be thankful for her Stay Strong documentary because I vividly remember watching it and texting my best friend that I thought I had an ED and she convinced me to tell my mom and get help.

[@karahershey]

I was struggling with depression at the time it was definitely helpful

[@amandasvision]

“How many times can we start over. At some point we have to just start” 👏 truer words have never been said

[@willowfarmer6550]

Real ones remember Demi from "As The Bell Rings," one of those campy 5 minute mini shows between shows 🤣

[@justjoannak]

Yup! I remember that so well

[@96213sam]

He completely skipped that part

[@sammieannie421]

yes i literally felt ancient for remembering this. the guy she starred with was cute too

[@willowfarmer6550]

@@sammieannie421 YES! I remember being briefly obsessed with Tony Oller when I was 10

[@miriamk2354]

Cannot imagine how absolutely time consuming and research heavy videos like these must be for you -- but also, they're incredibly done and set you apart from the KZbin pop culture commentary scene. Wishing you a lighter, reaction, kiki video in the future!

[@theswiftologist]

thank you for noticing!!

[@lili15873]

This previous year Swiftologist was with me when I was working, when I was cooking, when I was cleaning the house, when I was doing my makeup...SO MANY hours spent together. Thank you 💜💜💜

[@theswiftologist]

and many more this year hopefully!! xx

[@god_is_above_all_of_us]

I'm obsessed with your vid essays diva

[@theswiftologist]

[@Sg92-m4h]

La La Land went platinum in my house, as well as Here We Go Again, Made in the USA, Heart Attack, Cool for the Summer. LOVED Demi growing up.

[@BellaEstrella7]

I always loved Demi’s vocals, songwriting and artistic style. Hope she stays healthy & well ❤

[@milaces1323]

Coffe? In hand. Arse? Seated. It's Swiftologist time! Also, looove the new background! 😊

[@theswiftologist]

[@aestera7544]

Please do a bookshelf tour!! ❤

[@theswiftologist]

on my list!!

[@Espi1502]

Oh i would love to Watch this

[@danielv5410]

My biggest flex is eating all of Demi’s eras up and seeing her live on tour TWICE (once with Nick Jonas) as well as Miley for Bangerz and Selena for Revival. Now that’s herstory. 🖤

[@amsterdaily5798]

If I remember correctly For The Love of a Daughter was acutally written for Here We Go Again, but was deemed to raw / mature for that record.

[@alejandroalvarado4178]

Yes that correct. She wrote it for that album. Glad she decided to put the song on Unbroken

[@hannahabbot2958]

As someone who is in recovery from an ED and I also struggle with Bipolar and PTSD, I think part of the problem that happens to people in ED recovery or people who struggle with mental illness is that everyone wants to hear about it and be there for you when you’re out on the other end of it, but nobody wants to hear about it or be there for you when you’re still in it and are actively struggling. People love hearing how someone overcame their demons and is succeeding and doing so well. Asking someone to be there for you and be supportive of you when you’re very sick and actively struggling is a bigger thing to ask for. And I think most people don’t realize or don’t want to acknowledge that for most people with mental illness or addiction or eating disorders, realistically it will be something we struggle with our whole lives and we’ll go through relapse/recovery cycles our whole life because that’s just the reality of what living with those struggles is like, but it’s a very bitter truth to swallow that most people with mental illnesses and addictions and ED’s will struggle with it to some extent their whole lives and that recovery is an up and down journey, not a linear path with an end. I think that’s a bitter truth to swallow, and most people don’t want to believe or accept that. They prefer the hero’s journey where someone has redeemed themselves and is magically all better now. The reality of the situation is less optimistic and harder to accept, and doesn’t present as well on screen if you’re a celebrity.

[@ambriaashley3383]

Demi’s HOLY FVCK, much like Miley’s Plastic Hearts, was incredibly raw, vulnerable, self-aware, & incredibly underrated. I see Demi as a classic case of addiction in a the family. The person who is the most honest about what they went through & chose the least healthy way to deal with it. Add to that that her mother is really childish & not protective, as well as her dad.

[@cakt1991]

As a Lovatic, I admit I was nervous seeing this as an option on your Insta stories, given some of the sensitive topics at play in Demi’s story. But I appreciate how you handled it, empathizing with the pressure Demi was under by the industry and her management (both Phil McIntyre and Scooter), while critiquing her career moves where it’s warranted. And as much as I love most her work, I was surprised by how much I agreed, although I do have different Demi albums that personally resonated with me. I do think pop-rock (or straight up rock) is most where she feels at home, and I remember hearing how the Jonas Brothers collab was borne out her needing someone to bounce off of to make her music more “Disney friendly,” as she previously wrote some pretty dark stuff. I can’t help but wonder about an alternate timeline where she wasn’t pushed by Disney and her management into pop, and could follow those darker ideas more, especially as while the “main” pop girls of Disney had to start off at Hollywood Records, there had been other Disney stars who had branched out and gotten more creative freedom. And even if she had to start there, she really could have considered a full exodus from Hollywood Records sooner, much like Miley, and then Selena, did.

[@ducky19991]

Mike Posner catching strays killed me 😂

[@rhmua7110]

I was kinda scared to watch this, because I've been a diehard fan for like 15 years and am very protective over Demi, especially because she's been misunderstood many times - but I was surprised with how often I agreed with you and that you also saw the potential in her. I personally still see the potential for a comeback and am glad you're still around to see what she does next. The thing with Demi is that despite the messy things around her career, she's still a very interesting, authentic and very talented personality with a fun personality. I'll stay protective over her and I know for a fact that I'll have my "told ya" moment soon enough. Great video!

[@Jage24]

I’m right there with you on waiting for the “told ya” moment. D9 is gonna be it, I keep telling myself haha

[@kevrodgers413]

i feel like demi’s current rebranding is her best she’s done in a long time. if she is able to drop a huge pop banger this year she could fix all of this.

[@Jage24]

AGREED! This is her year I keep saying.

[@nicolegulino]

Her management is definitely to blame for that demonic touring schedule. They cared more about making money than they did about helping her become a formidable artist.

[@theswiftologist]

they need jail

[@tiffprendergast]

Then she hit someone

[@Chris-g9i]

Demi‘s downfall was definitely painful to watch. The comparisons of her and Selena to Miley seem a little unfair, though; Miley isn’t facing chronic illness or significant mental disorders. For all the awareness campaigns, I don’t think people can wrap their heads around what a diagnosis of bipolar disorder really means: Up to 40 % of them will try to end their lives at least once and one if five will succeed - it’s incredibly serious and hard to treat. She has also suffered SA, which many victims don’t fully recover from, even if they don’t have her underlying problems. I have immense compassion for her and think it’s hard to judge some of her self destructive actions. That said, her propagating things like „California sober“ was incredibly irresponsible and a lot of her „friends“ in the documentary came across as self-serving enablers. Watching, I thought she was still in denial and I walked away pretty sure, the next tragedy was only a matter of time. Honestly, for Demi, I think success should be less about rebuilding a career and more just about surviving, terrible as it may sound. I hope writing helps her process her issues but perhaps, not being able to regain the spotlight would be for the best. Sobriety and tour life don’t really mix. My wish for her isn’t that she’ll eventually land a number 1 hit but that she will finally know some peace.

[@tiffprendergast]

Absolutely

[@bymarquel]

Many people are "California Sober" because it works for them. Drugs have different effects and feelings. Meaning that if you are addicted to something like heroin then for some people it is fine to partake in other drugs like weed and alcohol. Demi was addicted to heroin and alcohol, but never weed. Weed does not even come close to duplicating the same feelings as alcohol let alone heroin. Demi decided after that she wanted to be completely sober, but that does not mean that everyone that is addicted to one drug needs to be completely 100% sober. You don't know their body. You don't know their brain. Like, I'm really tired of seeing uninformed, judgemental comments like yours.

[@Jage24]

@@bymarquelTHANK YOU! As a licensed mental health professional who has worked in substance use, this comment is spot on.

[@TheDhanaMC]

It's unfair to compare struggle too, btw. (Maybe Miley doesn't have (publicly known - we'll never know someone's health history until they share it) health issues like Demi and Selena but she faced a lot of unwarranted & excessive criticisms just because she is more open and honest about her lifestyle. She was basically the poster bad child of Disney for 10+ years, even though all her peers secretly actually also were in similar lifestyles, even though behind all the antics she always has a good head on her shoulder.)

[@annalupton9284]

Cali sober is a perfectly valid path to recovery. Rigid, abstinence based programs like AA and NA have a 2-5% success rate for a reason. There is no right or wrong way to recover, and it's not ok to police someone's sobriety. Demi has talked about how rigid abstinence is what led to her OD in 2018. Had she been allowed to just smoke weed, she probably would've stayed away from the hard stuff. Everyone's path to sobriety is wildly different.

[@jhmonsen4179]

“I work really hard on my videos” - yes you do, I’m so impressed; and the content is brilliant. Hope you take time off for self-care as well. ❤

[@theswiftologist]

[@natalyaduncan8932]

I was the tween girl all of this was aimed at. I bought Hannah Montana and Meet Miley on CD when it came out….i bought Demi’s first album and I can still recall every word. I had the HM concert DVD and my 8th birthday was HM themed. The nostalgia is so real with Demi, but Miley was my girl and I feel like we grew together. I definitely left Demi behind. But love them both still 🩷

[@ellehampton8804]

Zach, you always bring it. No lazy vids from you. Even your “kiki” vids (I think that’s what it’s called) are thoughtful and show “effortless” effort. Love this deep dive.

[@theswiftologist]

thanks elle

[@serenaisproblem]

demi was like my favorite artist in 2014 after she covered let it go omg

[@theswiftologist]

many such cases!!

[@serenaisproblem]

real as hell

[@JC-kl8zl]

And if I said she had the better version

[@HunkCandy]

​@@JC-kl8zlyou would be correct

[@save_bandit]

it wasn't a cover, it was the pop version which played in frozen's closing credits

[@meghansullivan6812]

34:55 the way I was just able to sing a whole section of “fix a heart” from memory upon seeing that album cover despite not thinking about or hearing that song in YEARS! daaaamn it hit

[@theswiftologist]

I JUUUUSTTT RANNNNN OUTTTT OF BANDAIDS

[@monicabertolini6442]

You are so talented in your storytelling and writing. These days it’s hardly possible to find an eloquent and well spoken creator in general, let alone among the pop culture KZbinrs. Bravo !!

[@draculena]

i want to second this.

[@Malik_Maverick]

I think the other issue with Demi is that with this constant reinvention, it always feels like there’s some sort of gimmick. Like she’s closer to 40 than to 18 and she’s giving interviews complaining about how being “non binary” is too difficult. Before that it unresolved childhood trauma. Before that it was mental health. Like she’s constantly reinventing herself but like…….into what? Christina Aguilera went from Dirty to Baby Jane and gave us a theme for that era. Demi just feels like……she’s constantly throwing paint but not actually making anything.

[@wearesatellites91]

Yes!! Exactly. Constantly trying on new things to figure out who she is, but she’s not a tween anymore - she’s a grown woman who should know by now. It’s not cute and experimental anymore, it’s just sad and tiring - she seems so lost and clueless.

[@mindfulheartyogaandfitness6967]

Agreed! I never liked her but she comes off as super desperate to stay relevant and she does that but constantly reinventing herself. To her own detriment.

[@Espi1502]

Personally I have never been a demi fan but, did I watch the whole video? YES, OBVIOUSLY. I just love your essays quality and how so well articulated they are.

[@georgestan7578]

While watching this documentary, I've come to believe that Demi could have achieved Taylor Swift's level of success if she had continued writing her own songs and expressing vulnerability, as she did on her first two albums.

[@amoghdoddamane1214]

Always seated for a Swiftologist video. Period .

[@theswiftologist]

exactly!!

[@saintlanax]

Her debut album, 'Don't Forget', still gets played on a regular basis in my household!!

[@Whimsicallife-o9u]

Wow, this is such a nuanced video essay! The way you are able to discuss things through a critical lens yet maintain empathy is what makes your content top-notch. Love it! ❤

[@taylornpickle]

thank you for covering this with compassion for her demons.

[@theswiftologist]

always

[@SulaNewf]

I don’t understand why you aren’t bigger. You are clearly really intelligent, have an interesting and smart thought-process and have a great ability to communicate (I have already commented on how much I appreciate your vocabulary). It is just really refreshing. I have never really actually paid any attention to Demi but I knew you would give an interesting, educational and insightful ‘story’. And you didn’t disappoint. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. Edit: I am very curious about what you read. You are obviously well-read… but what are your go-to’s, what types of books you gravitate to?

[@paulespinal2602]

thanks for the addition of pictures and some videos clips while you were talking, this video essay was a lot more dynamic than the previous ones. never getting tired of saying it: one of the best pop commentators nowadays! thanks for the good content. ✨

[@genevaxo]

Watching this while recovering from surgery :*) Thank you, diva!

[@theswiftologist]

Get well soon queen!

[@felixtownn]

I absolutely love your vocabulary. Sometimes I replay parts of your videos just to hear how you described a situation or a person.

[@theswiftologist]

thank you! x

[@cowboyliketay]

As a casual Demi fan, I absolutely loved this. At the end of the day, all I want is for her to have a peaceful life. If that means being out of the spotlight & failing to be the pop rock diva she was born to be, so be it. She deserves tranquility above all. I would love to see a video from you about the Tumblr era of music. Who from that time still has a successful music career & why (Lana, The 1975, Halsey, Lorde) and who’s failed to remain relevant (Marina, Arctic Monkeys, Tove Lo, Sky Ferreira)

[@alliemx]

had to pause to go relisten to the Dont forget singles! they were my everything in high school and still go so hard lol. definitely going to text my boyfriend “did you forget that i was even alive” if i haven’t heard from him in 45 min today. thank you swiftologist for the food!!!!

[@meghansullivan6812]

Dude literally time to go relisten!!

[@wearesatellites91]

First she has bipolar, then no, it’s just ADHD. She uses “they” pronouns, then no, back to “she”. She’s “happier and healthier than ever”, then nope, relapsing again. I think the fact that Demi has no idea who she is or how she’s doing means fans have no idea who she is either, and that just doesn’t work if you want to stay famous and successful. The girl is messy, and while I have a lot of sympathy for her struggles, that right there is why no one really takes her very seriously. One “comeback” is inspiring, but when you’ve had 10, it really gets cringe … how many can you have before you’re just crying wolf? She needs to step away from the spotlight entirely and just take care of herself.

[@ca-ke9493]

I think it's incredibly hard. Ofc she has money and the resources to just go off and live a quiet life, but her entire life she has been molded to perform and sing, she has been auditioning and training since she was a baby! It's her one life skill, it's her career and it's her "gift". And that is a career that is inexplicably tied to the spotlight.

[@hannahallen1799]

It's crazy because between her, Miley, and Selena, Demi absolutely has the best voice. Like really, she's an absolute powerhouse. I feel bad for her.

[@lilyflowerme]

This was absolutely brilliant, how to revive and murder your career are easily your best series. The way you go so in depth to really contextualise and humanise the people while still offering critique and advice all while being so informative and entertaining is incredible. Thank you for this amazing video, regardless of who the next one is about we all know it will be amazing!!

[@jacobgroetsch7853]

I’ve been going through a really hard time right now and this video found me at a time where the content resonates with me, I’ve loved your channel for a little bit now and it’s become my go to KZbin channel for media content

[@theswiftologist]

[@colekayve]

Oh....the demiologist. This is new😂❤

[@theswiftologist]

for one night and one night only ...

[@JC-kl8zl]

​@@theswiftologistwe need an album ranking‼️

[@justjoannak]

​​@@JC-kl8zl Agreed, even though I feel like we already know his thoughts on the albums

[@RivlasYT]

This is just a random take…but as much as I do love young Demi doing the pop rock thing..I do think she shines the best when she is doing R&B pop.

[@jujubee6030]

Yes she has so much soul in her voice!

[@theswiftologist]

tell me you love me was so good for this reason!

[@cyn1263]

LOVED this, so detailed and smart. Idk if this would fit your channel as much but I would love to see you do similar deep dives into the generation right before Demi, Selena, Miley. Acting starlets that had shorter-lived music stints like Hillary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, and Raven-Symone

[@theswiftologist]

my other QUEEEENNNSSSS. a hilary duff video is so necessary

[@kassianistevens]

@@theswiftologist Yessss. I was a HUGE Hilary Duff fan when I was a kid.

[@causeimnachoprincess]

I really appreciate these overviews of artists I only knew peripherally, especially since I was a child when most of this stuff happened. I never knew the Demi in this video

[@honeychild4]

I feel as an artist Demi is unrealiable she doesn't know who she is as an artist, so she keeps changing and invalidating her previous work. Everytime she releases an album she says: "this is the real me, in my previous album I wasn't fully myself". 😒😴

[@justjoannak]

Agreed!

[@Chappelroanssslave]

I kinda review as evolving not changing tbh

[@sita9071]

I thought that was Dove Cameron's whole shtick?

[@paulorodrigues1711]

I've been following Demi's career for more than 10 years and it's incredible that she keeps reinventing herself and we fans never know what to expect from her. One thing we do know is that we can expect quality from her music, regardless of charts or sales.

[@tiffprendergast]

Duhhh

[@Novemberry-yk8lk]

First Katy, now Demi, oh let’s go we are so getting fed!!!!

[@bilalasif7522]

As one of the few demi lovato fans left lol, I was scared to click on this video, but I mostly agree with everything you said. Very nicely put! Someone once said demi is like an open book, but it is getting repetitive to read the same book again and again. She has so much potential she can still use properly to rise above and have her flowers, or espresso. One thing I will say, Holy Fvck is an amazing album, her best to date. You should really give it another listen properly. I am sure it will grow on you. Wasted, 4ever4me, eat me, come together. amazing. and her getting a law signed because of her documentary child star last year to protect children in media in california was huge too. her heart is always in the right place.

[@katiekrupinski5953]

As someone who has loved Demi since her Disney Channel days I was bummed to see her as part of this series, but I think you really did do her and her story justice, and you spoke about her struggles with the utmost compassion while also being brutally honest. I always have hope that she's going to drop another pop banger! I know pop girlies are your speciality but if you ever want to switch it up, I would love to see a deep dive on Fall Out Boy! I feel their longevity must be studied!

[@KseniaSotnikova]

Can you include more dates and months, so we get more of a sense of time between projects and between other artist's projects, especially when talking about albums and tours? It's easy to lose a grip of the timeline. Love the video!

[@jacqueline6776]

YOU DONT DO IT FOR ME ANYMORE IS AMAZING!! Tell me you love me is one of her best albums! Smoke and mirrors is one of my faves! Lonely is also HIGHLY underrated too! First time i heard it was at a bar and fell in love! 🖤

[@justjoannak]

Tell Me You Love Me is one of my fave Demi albums

[@jacqueline6776]

@@justjoannakSame! I remember going to Target in the middle of the night to buy the physical cd for the bonus songs!! 😂

[@itspricila]

R&b really suits demi

[@camillefaith2005]

I love Smoke and Mirrors too!! It's a crime that song wasn't on the main album.

[@jacqueline6776]

@@camillefaith2005RIGHT!! and it also wasnt on streaming platforms for years like Demi this is one of your best songs!

[@irisalexanderunofficial]

*a year LONG* tour is genuinely insane. full stop.

[@theswiftologist]

they worked her crazyyyy....

[@itskennnnnaaaa]

We need more journalist like you! Fans who are fairly critical and step back to view everything as a whole picture. Ps love the new background!

[@Atinywithsocailanxiety]

Its interesting to see how different demi, miley and Selena careers have been and it all started when they left Disney miley purposely crashed her image to be seen differently, demi didn't choose to have a meltdown but did and had to figure out what now? And Selena i think gradually changed her image but also had stuggle that gave her alot of goodwill from the public

[@the.annethology]

omg seeing this video 13 minutes after Zac posted? TAYVOODOO in action i must say the EOAS and deep dives are my fave episodes. I love your banter with Madeleine and it's so balanced with these kind of thoughtfully created videos :D

[@becks2104]

Seeing a new swiftologist video over an hour=day made! THANK YOU

[@Lauraaajfjrj]

Demi’s music career is as successful as Selena’s DESPITE her addiction and demons. She has more album sales and more touring gross. She’s also the most talented artist of her generation and is an incredible vocalist and songwriter. All of her albums deeply reflect her journey and her discography is excellent. She has always deserved more recognition. She has recovered from her addiction and is thriving now

[@jujubee6030]

Right I’m kind of confused on his take with that!😂

[@jujubee6030]

@@EnuwaAgbo She sold more album wise and toured at bigger venues🤷🏽‍♀️

[@tiffprendergast]

Recovered?

[@someone-fw2lv]

Something that may be unpopular is that to an outsider too many of Demi Lovato's actions come off as attention-seeking. By the time the third documentary comes out about a person it's hard to shake the feeling that maybe they just want to be in the public eye no matter what.

[@kjn394]

Wow, you nailed my problems with Demi’s career. I have tried to get into her music for years because she’s an extremely talented vocalist, but her music felt so shallow compared to other artists. Which never made sense to me because of the subject matter she was covering in her songs. It should be moving, and it was sometimes with songs like “Sober,” but it makes sense now she really struggles with insight and not ever owning her recovery. I do hope she can eventually find a stride in her music that suits her. Loved this breakdown!!

[@zarrysxnflower]

Demi’s music and shallow compared to other artists in one sentence is crazy 😭 Maybe some songs yeah, but she is an album’s artist and her music has a lot of depth once you dive in.

[@ca-ke9493]

I think her lyricism isn't very developed, her songs read quite corny and commercial. It has potential but it's not properly delved into.

[@sofiasz2915]

What happened with her is extremely tragic and it makes you wonder if things could’ve been different. Personally I always thought out of the three big Disney stars at the time she had the best voice and I always felt like the Disney machine held her back in that regard

[@lavp365]

your voice is so calming, i love it. only 10mins in ‘cause i had to pause but went ahead and subscribed despite the swiftie thing (lmao i’m totally kidding. idc who people stan, i care how they act, and she also has songs i like).

[@IditarodBro]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video! I’m packing up my apartment right now and it was the perfect thing to listen to! Also, I really didn’t know all that about Demi! Thanks for the new info! Ur the best music journalist on KZbin by far!!

[@theswiftologist]

you’re welcome queen!!!

[@IditarodBro]

@ omg the Swiftologist responded! 😁😋

[@Empy003]

Here's my take on Demi's fate. She needs to forgive herself. The chain reaction of always going back to where one once was typically arises from unresolved trauma and the lack of apologies. If Demi was to be compared with a term in the dictionary, I'd call her the personification of fluctuation. It's very apparent in everything she does. If I had to explain it, look at it this way. She was extremely overworked, had addiction issues, insecurities, was living a double life, was groomed, never had a true fatherly figure, gained body dysmorphia and certain standards from the beauty pageants she used to take part in as a kid, was figuring out her identity all this while, had eating disorders, bipolar disorder and the list goes on. What is interesting is that a lot of these things are interconnected, and although she can't blame anyone else for her current decisions as an adult, she has had one of the toughest lives out there and can surely use some time to forgive herself for the way her circumstances treated her. Moving on is not possible if there is a void waiting to be filled with due apologies, from other people and from the person concerned. The fluctuation factor is apparent in her music as her albums pre TMYLM were not that cohesive except for maybe get back. She would have extremely underrated songs like Father, Cry Baby, The Way You Don't Look At Me etc overshadowed by not so impressive lead singles at times and by poor marketing and by her indecisive nature. She is extremely talented, and I really hope she just continues being honest about stuff via her music atleast, cuz apparently documentaries could be extremely misleading.

[@MrsBauscher]

No notes. Great job, respectfully critical. You're truly honing your craft on this forum and I'm always staying tuned for my morning newsologist :)

[@beatrizgomes4094]

Maybe not for the "how to murder" or "how to revive" series, but I'm still waiting for your Little Mix analysis And now all four girls have released multiple solo tracks, so if it's something you were waiting for to make any points about, now you can I mean, I think it's not a coincidence that the group's main songwriters (Jade and Leigh) have the best output, especially Jade

[@lindsaygarcia3650]

neeeed a swiftologist video abt Cher Lloyd someday!! I always wondered what happened to her lol

[@justjoannak]

Omg, yes! She's still making music but not consistently

[@brunett93]

she put a new song out recently.

[@jujubee6030]

I forgot about her!

[@wyattpickering2668]

Is it bad to say that Camp Rock is unironically one of the best movies of all time?

[@adycencooper3690]

finally someone giving CATCH ME the attention it deserves

[@Rose7815]

Your takes on the 3 main girls of the 2000 is really insightful❤ thank you 😊

[@princestory26]

this was a fantastic and insightful watch/listen zac! and as someone who is an anthropologist-sociologist, i LIVED when you referred to erving goffman!!!

[@skippydelicious]

I love your non-Swift content just as much as the Swift stuff Great words on childhood stardom. When you list out the work schedule for Disney Demi, it really highlighted how unethical all this was Great points. Thanks for adding a drop of sanity to popfandom

[@yasmingoodwin9680]

BRAVA! these video essays always blow me away, the research really shows. I love them and they are so important to understanding the person behind the pop star image but also how pop music weaves into culture.

[@theswiftologist]

thank you so much

[@FleurSteff]

I love Demi's earlier years and I think she really has the potential. But like you said, her following the trend in making music became ingenuine and unattractive to even her existing fanbase. Miley on the other hand turned out to be a seamless shapeshifter through her eras, but she didn't do what was hot. Her soft countryish Younger Now came out when artists were pushing out danceable TikTok songs, the vintage glam rock stylings of Plastic Hearts came in an era where Olivia Rodrigo brought back pop punk. Miley was genuine with her craft, and she didn't make her romantic failure a brand despite the huge success Liam-centered Wrecking Ball brought her.

[@elisadaygrey]

English is not my first language so I don't really know what words to use, but you are SO talented, your reporting is so excellent, informative and for me, very understandable, I'm not very familiar with anything from 2005 - 2015 in Pop culture in America, but you explain everything so good. Thank you

[@samcat4005]

Another week another fabulous take, I can’t get enough go off diva!

[@theswiftologist]

periodtttt

[@hannahl3017]

Love these deep dives by you! Might be asking for too much here but an idea for these videos could be an added spotify playlist with the songs you praise in the video ❤