Demi Lovato recalls 'challenging' life as Disney Channel star with Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez
Demi Lovato got candid about her difficult experience working as an actress for Disney Channel, as she was always being compared to her peers Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez.
In her guest appearance on Keke Palmer's podcast, the actress recalled her early days alongside Gomez and Cyrus, who were also alums of Disney Channel.
According to her, she and Gomez were actually friends before their time on the network.
"[We] actually were on Barney together, and so I felt this safety when I came into the Disney Channel having a built-in friendship there already. I’m so grateful for that," Lovato said.
However, she admitted that it was "challenging when people are comparing you to one another."
"You naturally have insecurities at a young age, so you start comparing yourself to other people. But one thing my mom instilled in me was, 'There’s room for everyone. It’s not a competition,'" Lovato shared.
"Even though it can be competitive, and if you have that mindset, it definitely is competitive, my mom was just always like, ‘There’s room for everyone. You have your own voice, your own lane.’ And that’s what I really stuck by. That’s what kind of got me through that period. So I was always rooting for everybody."
Looking back, the Camp Rock star couldn't help but have mixed feelings about her time on the Disney Channel.
"There’s so many emotions that come to mind when I think about that period of time in my life. Those were the years that started it all for me, and I have very fond memories. Some not-so-fond memories of the struggling that I had when filming those shows," Lovato said.
"You know, having struggled with an eating disorder while on camera was really challenging. I struggled with my mental health very much so, but ultimately, like, very fond memories. I made friends that I will have for the rest of my life."
Lovato joined Disney Channel when she starred in their short series As the Bell Rings, which aired from 2007 to 2008. She rose to prominence for playing Mitchie Torres in the musical television film Camp Rock and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, as well as for starring in the sitcom Sonny with a Chance.
On the other hand, Gomez is known for her role as Alex Russo in the fantasy sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place, while Cyrus made a name for herself as the titular character in Hannah Montana.
