Demi Lovato had fans cringing after a video of her singing her 2013 song “Heart Attack” at an American Heart Association (AHA) event this week circulated on social media.
The singer, who also uses they/them pronouns, belted her popular song at AHA’s annual Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert, which aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, Wednesday night.
Fans thought the song choice was odd — especially for someone who suffered from three strokes and a heart attack during a near-fatal overdose in 2018 — and expressed their confusion online.
“well that’s a bit dark, don’t you think?” one X user asked fellow fans.
“she didn’t think this one through,” a second critic assumed.
Added another, “i [for real] cant stop laughing..how many ppl did that song choice decision go through before she performed it live??”
Others labeled her performance as “insane” and “wild.”
However, an inside source told Pvnew Friday that performing “Heart Attack” was a strategic move for Lovato and was even encouraged by the AHA.
“Following Demi’s heart attack and near-death experience, for a few years, Demi thought she would not be able to sing ‘Heart Attack,'” the insider explained.
Lovato feels as though she has been able to “reclaim” the song, the source added.
The “Camp Rock” star prefaced her performance with a meaningful note as well.
“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,” she stated.
Another eyewitness told Pvnew that event attendees were enjoying the show and didn’t seem to take any offense to the song choice.
After rocking the stage, Lovato hopped on her Instagram Story to share her excitement about the cause, per ABC News.
“Tonight is all about how reminding women how important it is to advocate for ourselves and prioritize our health,” she penned.
“Join me and @american_heart and @goredforwomen as we Go Red for Women!”
Lovato appeared on the “Today” show Friday morning to discuss the event and spoke about how her life has changed through her hardships and heartbreaks and following her heart attack.
“I feel happier than I’ve ever been,” she raved.
“I feel like I’m in such a really great place, also just spiritually and emotionally. Not only am I in love but I’m also just mentally very strong.”
The “Confident” singer got engaged to musician Jutes after one year of dating in December 2023.
