Demi Lovato: Stay Strong

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Demi Lovato: Stay Strong
DemiLovatoStayStrong.jpg
Promotional poster
GenreDocumentary
Directed byDavi Russo[1]
StarringDemi Lovato
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Producers
Running time42 minutes
Release
Original networkMTV
Original release
  • March 6, 2012 (2012-03-06)
External links
Website

Demi Lovato: Stay Strong is a 2012 documentary film about American singer Demi Lovato which follows their recovery after leaving rehab and their return to the music industry after abruptly cancelling their tour with the Jonas Brothers, putting their career on a hiatus in order to seek treatment. It premiered on March 6, 2012 on MTV.[1] The documentary depicts their reflecting on their road to recovery, addressing several of their emotional and physical issues, celebrating Thanksgiving with their family in 2011 and returning for the first time to the treatment facility they retreated to back in 2010.[3]

Several years later in their YouTube documentary about their life and career, Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated (2017), Lovato admitted to being dishonest about the outcome of their initial treatment in Demi Lovato: Stay Strong, and also revealed that they were in fact under the influence of cocaine while being interviewed about their sobriety for the documentary film.[4][5][6][7]

Background and production[]

Lovato performing during the Jonas Brothers: Live in Concert in September 2010, about two months before the singer abruptly withdrew from the tour.

Lovato had suffered from depression, an eating disorder, self-harm and being bullied before they went into rehab at the age of 18.[8][9] On November 1, 2010, they left the Jonas Brothers: Live in Concert, entering a treatment facility for "physical and emotional issues".[10] They decided to enter treatment after punching female dancer Alex Welch; their management and family confronted them in a formal intervention after this incident to convince them they needed help. Lovato agreed to seek help and took "full responsibility" for the incident.[8]

On January 28, 2011, Lovato completed inpatient treatment at Timberline Knolls and returned home. They acknowledged that they had suffered from anorexia and bulimia, had harmed themself, and had been "self-medicating" with drugs and alcohol "like a lot of teens do to numb their pain".[11] In addition, Lovato said that they "basically had a nervous breakdown" and were diagnosed with bipolar disorder during their treatment.[12] Lovato later added that they had used cocaine several times a day and smuggled cocaine onto airplanes.[13] After finishing their treatment, Lovato returned to work on their third album in February 2011.[14] In April 2011, Lovato announced they were leaving Sonny with a Chance, where they portrayed the main character Sonny Munroe, because they wanted to focus on their music career rather than acting.[15]

Lovato's third album, Unbroken, was released on September 20, 2011 and was met with mixed to positive reviews from music critics. It debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified Gold.[16] The R&B-infused album was preceded by Lovato's critically acclaimed top ten single "Skyscraper" and spawned the triple-platinum certified hit single "Give Your Heart a Break". On February 21, 2012, Lovato announced on Twitter that a television special they had worked on with MTV would premiere on March 6, 2012, while they also revealed its title #StayStrong and the promotional poster for the documentary, showing Lovato's "Stay Strong" wrist tattoos as well as their scars.[17] An official trailer was released by MTV on the same day.[18]

Synopsis[]

"I don't think I'm fixed. People think that you're like a car in a body shop. You go in, they fix you, and you're out. It takes constant fixing."

— Lovato describing their path to recovery.[19]

Demi Lovato: Stay Strong commences with fans shouting Lovato's first name, while waiting for them to arrive at the Fox Theatre in Detroit where they are about to perform on November 16, 2011.[3] The tour date marks the opening night of the Unbroken Tour and their first tour date since the sold-out An Evening with Demi Lovato two-date promotional tour that took place in September 2011.[20] Lovato starts reflecting on the rough road that led them to self-harm and addiction, while scenes of Lovato getting ready for their performance in the dressing room are interwoven featuring a short cameo appearance from their former manager Phil McIntyre.[3] They say they "had so many issues underneath that needed to be taken care of and that "it literally ended up driving [them] insane". Shortly after, Lovato's home in Los Angeles is shown where they are seen hugging their mother , whereas Lovato's half-sister Madison De La Garza is also featured.[3]

As soon as Lovato's makeup and hair is done, they are ready to go on stage and a huge audience is seen cheering for them.[3] Lovato confesses, "I cannot tell you that I have not thrown up since treatment. I cannot tell you I’ve not cut myself since treatment. I’m not perfect. This is a daily battle that I will face for the rest of my life."[21] They are then seen performing the track "All Night Long". Lovato reveals that their new, bigger purpose in life is to "inspire people," and "get people through their days and their problems".[21] Some interviewed fans express what they think about Lovato's recovery and how they are an inspiration to them, while praising their strength.[21]

Lovato performing in the dress they wore when they let the "special" fan on stage, December 2011.

The cameras follow their home where they spends their first Thanksgiving out of treatment and Lovato explains how their eating disorder had developed. "This year I am definitely not taking any holiday for granted," they says about spending Thanksgiving with their family.[22] After Thanksgiving, Lovato keeps thinking about what they ate on the holiday, cries about it and feels uncomfortable before going on stage.[23] They feel sick, but still decide to perform. A small part of their performance of the song "Fix a Heart" is shown, as well as Lovato taking pictures with fans at their meet-and-greet.[23]

One of their fans, a young girl named Sanah Jivani with Alopecia, tells Lovato that they inspired her to go to the meet-and-greet without her wig.[23][24] Sitting in front of the piano on stage, Lovato expresses how thankful they are to be there, "because not long ago I was in a treatment facility" and they "was so scared and was so alone but I had you guys [the fans] by my side". They mention the "beautiful, beautiful girl that I met", tells the audience why the girl went to the concert without her wig and states, "That's why I continue to do this [performing] every single day of my life no matter how hard it gets."[23] The singer adds, "It's the people sitting in this audience and the strength that you guys possess, so just keep inspiring people 'cause you're inspiring me to stay so strong til this day. So, thank you." and starts singing their song "Together" while letting the special girl join them on stage to perform a duet. Sanah Jivani, the young girl who performed the duet with Lovato is the founder and CEO of a non-profit called The Love Your Natural Self Foundation and draws much of her inspiration for her organization from this moment. This was a meaningful moment for both Lovato and the fan.[23]

The singer revisits Timberline Knolls, the treatment facility in Lemont, Illinois they entered back in 2010, for the first time since they were released in mid-January 2011.[25] Lovato recalls on their way to Timberline Knolls, "The first time that I walked into Timberline Knolls, I sat there to eat my first meal, and it was chicken, rice, vegetables and milk, and I took like two or three bites of the chicken and was like 'OK, I'm done'." adding, "That’s when I realized maybe I do belong here because I can’t finish a meal."[25] They confess about the room they stayed in during their treatment, "I got so completely vulnerable and so raw, when I even step into this room I feel naked." Showing their wrist tattoos, they reveal how meaningful they are to them and they didn't get them just to cover up the scars they had, but also because their fans kept encouraging them to stay strong while in rehab.[25]

"I wish that every single person here could just live in freedom," Lovato tells the patients at Timberline Knolls while delivering a speech.[26] It was at Timberline Knolls where they were first diagnosed with bipolar disorder.[12] They admit that they didn't realise that they were ill before their treatment and used to assume that "writing seven songs in one night was normal". Bringing their guitarist and friend Mike Manning with them, Lovato gives an intimate acoustic performance of their empowering hit song "Skyscraper" after their speech and gets emotional, saying "Utilize your time here, 'cause this place will change your life, 'cause it changed mine."[26]

Lovato opens up about how they realized that they could use what they were for in the treatment center "for the better".[26] Instead of keeping their struggles and demons to themself, they decided to share their story with the world "because some people need to hear it". They wanted to inspire others with their story and prove that no matter what people are going through at the moment, they will get through it. The acoustic "Skyscraper" rendition at Timberline Knolls flows into a piano-driven performance of the song at a concert venue and Lovato is seen going into the crowd.[26] The singer and their crew dance to "B.M.F." by Rick Ross in their tour bus after the concert while they acknowledge that "recovery doesn't have a day off".[2]

Promotion[]

Lovato performing on Good Morning America in July 2012 as part of their Summer Concert Series.

On the morning of March 6, 2012, Lovato made an appearance on The Today Show to promote the documentary which would premiere on MTV that night. They performed their single "Give Your Heart a Break".[27] "I've decided to tell my story because there are a lot of young teens, girls and boys, that are dealing with the same issues that I've been through. If I'm able to use my voice to do good in the world then I definitely want to do that," they told Today anchor Ann Curry.[28]

After the documentary film was premiered, Lovato immediately appeared on Demi Lovato: Stay Strong — The After Show in order to react to their documentary and do a special question-and-answer session. The show, hosted by MTV's SuChin Pak, was broadcast live from the MTV Studios in Times Square.[29] Fans could participate in the conversation on Twitter by tweeting the hashtag #StayStrong and ask Lovato questions by using the hashtag #AskDemi. "It feels really awesome. Doing the documentary was so interesting," they shared when talking about how they felt after releasing the documentary.[29] They added, "I felt really vulnerable, and I still kind of do tonight. I wouldn't change it. I'm doing awesome right now. I'm living a really healthy lifestyle. It's not easy. I struggle. But each day gets easier." Lovato announced during the post-show that they would have an upcoming appearance in Punk'd.[29]

The after show also featured some unaired extra footage.[30] In the extra footage the singer explains every story behind their tattoos, including the reason why they got the signature heart from the Here We Go Again cover art tattooed on their wrist. They state that they see it as a unique connection with their fans who "would draw it on their wrists every day" until they left treatment.[31] Several fans featured in cameos raise their voices praising Lovato for being an anti-bullying advocate. Lovato says that people can make a difference by speaking up when they experience or witness bullying and admits that they were bullied themself, but expresses that they do not care about what haters think about them.[32]

References[]

  1. ^ a b Gael Fashingbauer Cooper (March 6, 2012). "Demi Lovato to participate in live Q&A Tuesday on MTV". Today. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - Celebrating The Road To Recovery". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - How Things Got Out Of Control". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  4. ^ "Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated - Official Documentary". YouTube. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  5. ^ Armstrong, Megan (October 18, 2017). "The 10 Most Honest Confessions From Demi Lovato's 'Simply Complicated' YouTube Documentary". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  6. ^ "Demi Lovato Talks About Casual Sex and Cocaine Addiction in Her Revealing 'Simply Complicated'". Maxim. October 22, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  7. ^ Fowler, Brandi (October 17, 2017). "Demi Lovato's Childhood Bullies Were So Intense They Petitioned for Her Suicide". InStyle. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  8. ^ a b Johnston, Janice (April 19, 2011). "Demi Lovato Interview: Teen Star Opens Up on Bulimia, Cutting Issues". ABC News. American Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  9. ^ "Demi Lovato Still Has "Nightmares" About the Childhood Bullying She Endured". E! Online. June 28, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  10. ^ Finn, Natalie (November 1, 2010). "Demi Lovato Enters Treatment Center for 'Issues'". E!. NBCUniversal. Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  11. ^ "Demi Lovato Exclusive Interview". Seventeen. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  12. ^ a b "Disney Star Demi Lovato: I'm Bipolar". Fox News Channel. 21st Century Fox. April 20, 2011. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  13. ^ "Demi Lovato Admits: I Would 'Smuggle' Cocaine On Airplanes (Exclusive)". Access Hollywood. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  14. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (January 28, 2011). "Demi Lovato Leaves Treatment". MTV. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
  15. ^ Cotliar, Sharon (April 19, 2011). "Demi Lovato Is Leaving Sonny with a Chance". People. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  16. ^ Caulfield, Keith (September 28, 2011). "Tony Bennett, 85, Achieves First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  17. ^ Anitai, Tamar (February 21, 2012). "Demi Lovato Tweets About New Special, 'Stay Strong,' Airing March 6 On MTV". MTV News. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  18. ^ "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' Trailer". MTV. February 21, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  19. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (March 7, 2012). "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong': 'Why Not Air All My Secrets?'". MTV News. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  20. ^ Schillaci, Sophie (August 28, 2011). "Demi Lovato NY, LA Shows Sell Out in Minutes". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  21. ^ a b c "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - Finding 'A Bigger Purpose'". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  22. ^ "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - First Thanksgiving Out Of Treatment". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  23. ^ a b c d e "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - One 'Beautiful' Fan". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  24. ^ Lyon, Joshua (June 3, 2015). "Demi Lovato's Long Road to Recovery". The Huffington Post. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  25. ^ a b c Vena, Jocelyn (March 5, 2012). "Demi Lovato Recalls Entering Rehab In 'Stay Strong'". MTV News. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  26. ^ a b c d "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - Demi Performs 'Skyscraper'". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  27. ^ Bain, Becky (March 6, 2012). "Demi Lovato Performs On 'The Today Show'". Idolator. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  28. ^ "Demi Lovato Previews New Eating Disorder Documentary On 'Today' Show (VIDEO)". The Huffington Post. March 6, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  29. ^ a b c Vena, Jocelyn (March 7, 2012). "Demi Lovato 'Stay Strong': Inside 'The After Show'". MTV News. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  30. ^ Wilson, Gaby (March 7, 2012). "Demi Lovato Talks Tattoos In 'Stay Strong' Bonus Clip". MTV News. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  31. ^ "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - Tattoos". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  32. ^ "'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' - Cyber Bullying". MTV. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2015.

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