Demi Lovato

What kind of relationship do you have with your parents?
I have a great one with my mom. She wasn’t too strict, so I didn’t feel the need to rebel in any bad ways. And you know, I’m not done growing up either, so my mom’s still doing a pretty good job! Since she’s been so accepting, I’ve been able to grow into myself faster. A lot of parents are really strict and try to make their kids grow up into a certain mold. I think the kids who are allowed to be themselves mature more quickly. My mom’s really amazing—I want to be a mom like her. Not too soon though! I don’t want to have kids until I’m 30.

How’s your relationship with your dad?
I don’t speak to my dad. I have a great stepfather. He raised me my whole life and he is my one father. I saw my biological dad a while back, but the reunion wasn’t as happy as other people might have made it out to be. And that can be painful. It’s a part of my private life that isn’t so private. I dealt with my parents getting divorced and, you know, lots of kids go through that. Some continue to talk to their biological fathers; others call them their biological fathers. Know what I mean?

Living under the spotlight must be difficult. Do you ever wish you could live anonymously?
I don’t think anyone should wish that their life was another way. My life has to be lived in the public eye, so I’m going to make the best of it. I wouldn’t change my life for the world. I’m enjoying it! I wish there was a way to explain to people that my life really isn’t that different. I’m just busier, honestly. I still hang out with my family, I still hang out with my friends. When people ask, “What’s it feel like to be a teen queen?,” it’s not like some mystical, magical power comes over you and suddenly you feel confident and pretty. I just live my life and I make mistakes, and I don’t put too much pressure on myself.

Unlike some other teen stars, you haven’t stirred up much controversy or negative publicity. Do you see yourself as a role model?
I guess I’m seen that way. I really don’t put myself in many positions where people would think otherwise. But I don’t think it’s fair for other teen stars to be judged for not being the “best” role models. I would like my kid to look up to someone who can overcome their mistakes. If someone never makes mistakes, that puts pressure on the kid to be perfect. Then, when they do make an error, they end up getting frustrated with themselves. When someone sees a teenage star going through things, they’re able to look at them and say, “Wow, she makes mistakes too. But she doesn’t let herself end up with drugs or alcohol or other problems. She fights through it so that she can be a happier person.”

Do you really hang out with the Jonas Brothers in real life, or just when you’re working?
Well, we hang out mostly because of work, but I’m very close with Joe. He’s like an older brother, so I hang out with him the most of any of them. They’re awesome. I even appear in their new concert movie, Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience [which hits theaters February 27].

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