Demi Lovato is reclaiming control of her public image by embracing the viral memes that have followed her throughout her career. In a new interview with PAPER Magazine, the 32-year-old singer revealed that leaning into those moments has been a way of “taking power back.”
“I think what’s been fun for me is I recently joined TikTok full-time,” Lovato said. “I was always lurking. I’d go on it once in a while, but I never invested time into making videos. Once I got back online, I started seeing the memes.”
The memes Lovato referred to include some of her most famous viral clips and images. Fans continue to share moments such as her exaggerated “Disney knees” from Camp Rock, the ghost-singing clip, the “Poot” photo that became a Tumblr phenomenon, and the frozen yogurt shop controversy that made headlines several years ago.
Rather than shying away from those viral memories, Lovato said she has found strength in embracing them. “An incredible, powerful way to take the power back is to own the memes. Because then, if I’m laughing, nobody can laugh at me. I’m laughing at me,” she explained.
The singer, who recently married musician Jordan “Jutes” Lutes, said her current mindset has shaped the direction of her next project. Lovato’s ninth studio album, It’s Not That Deep, is due to be released on October 24, 2025. She described the new era as one of freedom and joy.
“This whole era is about taking my power back,” she said. “Just owning my music, owning where I’m at, owning the position that my life is in today, which is happy, fun, and carefree.”
Lovato’s openness about her struggles and resilience has been a hallmark of her career, and her decision to lean into internet culture highlights a lighter, more self-assured side of her artistry. Fans have praised her recent TikTok activity, where she posts playful videos that reference her own viral moments, showing she can laugh alongside the audience rather than at her own expense.
With It’s Not That Deep on the horizon, Lovato appears to be entering a chapter defined by confidence and authenticity. For an artist who has spent years navigating fame, scrutiny, and personal challenges, the ability to laugh at herself may be one of her most powerful moves yet.