Demi Lovato is getting political.
The 28-year-old singer dropped a politically-themed song, “Commander In Chief” on Wednesday (October 14), and debuted the live performance on the 2020 Billboard Music Awards.
In a recent interview with CNN, Demi opened up about why she chose to speak out on her political beliefs.
“You’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t. You can list Taylor Swift as a perfect example of that exact saying. For years she got trashed because she wasn’t taking a stance and wasn’t standing up for these rights and she kind of took a back seat and now she’s become very political and there are people that are unhappy with that too,” Demi said. “It’s just, like, you have to live what feels authentic to you. To me, that’s using my platform to speak out about the things that I see that are wrong.”
Demi used to criticize Taylor for veering away from politics, previously writing in a since-deleted tweet, “At least I speak up about s–t that’s uncomfortable to talk about rather than trying to be politically correct 24/7.”
In recent years, Taylor has been more vocal about her political views. In her documentary, Miss Americana, which was released earlier this year, she spoke out about the importance of speaking out politically.
“This was a situation where, from a humanity perspective, and from what my moral compass was telling me I needed to do, I knew I was right, and I really didn’t care about repercussions,” she shared, adding that she was hesitant to speak out sooner because she didn’t think people wanted to hear what she thought. “Every time I didn’t speak up about politics as a young person, I was applauded for it. It was wild. I said, ‘I’m a 22-year-old girl — people don’t want to hear what I have to say about politics.’ And people would just be like, ‘Yeahhhhh!”
Following the release of Demi’s new song, critics went on social media to complain about her politically-charged song.
“I am personally ashamed to be a Lovatic right now,” one person wrote, in part, and hoped that the song wouldn’t “ruin” the popstar’s career.
Demi clapped back with her stance.
“You do understand as a celebrity, I have a right to political views as well? Or did you forget that we aren’t just around to entertain people for our entire lives,” she began. “That we are citizens of the same country and we are humans with opinions as well?”
“I literally don’t care if this ruins my career. This isn’t about that. My career isn’t about that,” she went on. “I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans. I’ll take integrity in my work over sales any day.”
“I’m too busy being bummed that you expect me, a queer, Hispanic woman, to silence my views, beliefs in order to please my audience. i.e. your family,” she continued.
“This song isn’t about division,” she added. “This is about finding answers from our sitting president. So please, debate, and talk about voting. That’s what this is all about.”
