Demi Lovato on Being a Role Model, Staying Strong in Recovery and Thigh Gaps

Demi Lovato has secured herself the title of inspirational role model to her Lovatics worldwide.

She’s a beacon of hope and a symbol of women empowerment, and while many young starlets turn away from the responsibility of setting a positive example, Demi embraces it. In a new interview with ET, airing Wednesday, the 22-year-old opens up about why it’s important to use her status to encourage others.

“I feel like every public figure has been put in the public because they are meant for more than just singing,” she explains.

VIDEO: Demi Lovato is Home Safe After Emergency Room Visit 

“I had a lot of people that I looked up to when I was younger that weren't the best role models, so for me, it's a responsibility to hold myself accountable and to be that inspiration for young girls and even people who are older than me,” she adds. “I have a little sister and I wouldn't want her looking up to other people who don’t necessarily use their voices for good.”

The former Disney starlet has been very vocal about using her past experiences to educate her fans on the importance of self-love. Last December, Lovato publicly admitted she almost went back to rehab for her eating disorder in 2013. She first sought treatment in 2010 for “emotional and physical issues.” Demi says it’s her fans who motivate her to stay healthy and to stay on the path she is currently on.

“I think what inspires me is remembering that I deserve to be the best that I can be and also knowing people look at me as a role model -- it gives me the fire to continue to be strong and try to show people that there’s so much more to life when you take care of yourself and when you are able to be all that you can be,” she tells ET.

VIDEO: Demi Lovato Reveals Why Her Friendship with Miley Cyrus Ended

Known for her uplifting social media posts, Demi recently made headlines by sharing a photo on Instagram of herself in a bikini with a positive message that goes against society’s current obsession with “thigh gaps.” In the caption, she wrote, “You don't have to have a thigh gap to be beautiful” – a message Demi hopes resonates with her followers.

“I keep hearing the term "thigh gap” more and more frequently,” she tells ET. “I feel like when things like that are set in society's ideal of what beauty is, and it's repeated over and over, it gets put into your brain.”

“If you have one naturally, then great, embrace what you have. But, if you don't have one naturally, you don't have to starve yourself or engage in unhealthy behaviors -- if you don't have a thigh gap naturally, it doesn't mean you aren’t beautiful,” Demi continues.

VIDEO: Demi Lovato Gushes Over Boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama! 

Demi is the face of The Radiant Collection from Tampax, a campaign that aims to help young women feel confident 100 percent of the time – a partnership perfect for the “Skyscraper” singer.

“I wanted to partner with the radiant collection because it represents confidence and there’s a certain women empowerment vibe that comes with that and that’s what I stand for -- women empowerment,” she shares.

But this partnership isn't the only thing on Demi’s plate. She has a beauty collection called Devonne by Demi and has her own line of vibrant hair extensions through Secret Color Extensions – and there’s a reason she’s making herself such a player in the beauty world.

“I want to build an empire,” she reveals. “I don't want to be just a musician I want to be a business entrepreneur, you know?”

Demi also opened up about her upcoming album, revealing what fans can expect to hear from her and shared who she hopes to collaborate with. See what she said about the highly-anticipated new songs by clicking here! 

Send @Katie_Krause a tweet letting her know your favorite things about Demi! And, watch Miley clear up the biggest misconceptions about herself in the video below.

Miley Cyrus Defends Herself, Explains 'Crazy' Instagrams

This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.

Up Next