Demi Lovato inspiring fans on latest tour
She was only 18 years old when she walked through the doors of the Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in south suburban Lemont, feeling fragile and broken and battling an eating disorder and other health- related issues that were causing the rising starlet to crumble.
Demi Lovato was attempting to save a life that was falling apart— her own.
Four years later, the “triple threat” that is Demi Lovato finds herself back in Chicago, healthy and happy and determined to not dwell in the past.
“Recently, and especially with this tour, I am trying to focus on the future and all of the wonderful things going on in my life rather than reflect on the past,” Lovato said during a recent interview. “I want to show people that letting go of the past is just as important as living with it.”
Lovato says she remains keenly aware of the millions of people who’ve been touched by her story, so much so that she made the conscious decision to feature an opening act that would make an impression on her fans each night.
“Ever since I first heard Spencer [ West] share his story, I was incredibly moved,” she explains of her opening act and motivational speaker, whose legs were amputated below the pelvis when he was 5- yearsold due to a genetic disorder. “I wanted to do something a little different with my tour this time around and thought Spencer would make a great addition. The goal was for every one of my fans to leave my show feeling a little more motivated and inspired.”
Indeed, Lovato has essentially made her tour date at the United Center on Tuesday night and the rest of her upcoming shows both in the United States and the United Kingdom a motivational session of sorts.
“I don’t think of it as a burden. … I’m just lucky to be in a position where I can use my voice to help others,” she said.