Demi Lovato discusses 'challenging' Disney Channel years with Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez

Demi Lovato continues to share her experiences about the challenges of being in the limelight as a child.

At 33, Lovato joined former child star Keke Palmer on her podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, discussing life growing up amid fame. 

On the Tuesday (March 3) episode, Lovato spoke openly about her journey to stardom alongside fellow Disney Channel celebrities Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus.

Palmer, who is 32, questioned the Sonny with a Chance star about managing the dynamics where the network persistently placed the stars in competition with one another, in search of "the top girl." 

Lovato became part of Disney Channel in 2007 with the series As the Bell Rings, while Cyrus starred in Hannah Montana (2006-2011) and Gomez appeared on Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012).

Lovato, who identifies with she/they pronouns, began her response by noting that she and Gomez knew each other before their Disney Channel days, “We were together in Barney, so I felt comforted coming to Disney Channel already having a friend.”

She continued by saying she felt immense “gratitude” for the friendship and is still thankful for the bond she shares with Gomez.

As the conversation progressed, the Here We Go Again performer admitted the comparisons with Cyrus and Gomez were “tough” to handle. 

“At a young age, insecurities are natural,” Lovato expressed. “You find yourself comparing yourself to others.”

“But my mom taught me, ‘There’s enough space for everyone. This isn’t a competition,’” shared the Don't Forget artist. “And that’s what I relied on. It helped me navigate those times. I was always cheering everyone on.”

After leaving Disney Channel, both stars pursued successful careers in pop music, acknowledging each other's achievements. 

Recently, in September 2025, Lovato praised Gomez and her husband, Benny Blanco’s new album, I Said I Love You First, commenting the pair did an “exceptional job.”

“I’m a fan of the songs on it,” Lovato said during a Watch What Happens Live episode, particularly enjoying "Bluest Flame."

In the previous months, Gomez also celebrated the success of Lovato and Cyrus' impressive careers.