Demi Lovato slammed for singing Heart Attack hit at cardiovascular disease event

03 February 2024 , 13:47

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Demi suffered a heart attack in 2018

Demi Lovato has been criticised for her “insane” song choice as they performed at the American Heart Association this week.

The non-binary singer, who uses they/them and she/her pronouns, took to the stage on Wednesday at the organisation's annual Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert - which raises awareness about cardiovascular disease - but left onlookers stunned as they belted out her 2013 hit Heart Attack. Their fans took to social media to question their song choice, with many calling the decision to perform the track in front of heart attack survivors “a bit dark”.

Demi suffered a heart attack and three strokes during a near-fatal overdose in 2018, and there was an outcry on Twitter /X over their performance. “Demi Lovato sang WHAT at the American heart association’s cardiovascular disease event…..??” one commented. “She didn’t think this one through,” another added, while a third chimed in: “How many ppl did that song choice decision go through before she performed it live??”

READ MORE: Inside Demi Lovato's party that sparked overdose and left star with 'brain damage'

Demi's song choice left fans confused

According to reports, Demi told the audience that they chose to sing Heart Attack in an attempt to “reclaim” the song, as she had refused to perform it since her overdose because of the trauma associated with it. “While my next song is about the intense feelings that come with falling in love as well as heart break, opening yourself up, taking risks and not being afraid to do it again, this song has many parallels for me, my journey and a reminder for all of us in the room just how strong the mind-heart-body connection truly is,” they said.

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Eyewitnesses at the event were reportedly unfazed by the song choice, and weren’t offended by Demi performing Heart Attack. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the AHA were supportive of her decision to sing the track.

The American Heart Association supported her decision to sing Heart Attack

An insider revealed Demi was still shaken from her near-death experience in 2018, and “thought she would not be able to sing” the song again. But now, they have been able to “reclaim” the track, the source told Page Six.

After performing at the event, Demi took to her Instagram Story to show support for the organisation. “Tonight is all about how reminding women how important it is to advocate for ourselves and prioritize our health. Join me and @american_heart and @goredforwomen as we Go Red for Women!” the hitmaker penned.

Emma Wilson