Demi Lovato Says ‘Heart Attack’ Wasn’t Her Call at American Heart Association Event
Demi Lovato is addressing criticism surrounding her 2024 performance of “Heart Attack” at an event hosted by the American Heart Association, clarifying that the song selection was made at the request of organizers.
The performance took place during the Women’s Red Dress Collection Concert, an annual event focused on raising awareness about cardiovascular disease. At the time, Lovato’s decision to include “Heart Attack” in her set drew criticism online, with some viewers questioning whether the song choice was appropriate for the setting.
In a recent radio interview, Lovato said she had raised similar concerns before the performance took place.
“I flagged it beforehand,” she said, explaining that she questioned whether the track aligned with the tone of the event. According to Lovato, organizers reassured her that the song was still part of what they wanted in the setlist.
“They were like, ‘No, they want to hear it,’” she said, adding that she ultimately followed their direction.
Following the performance, clips circulated online, prompting criticism centered on the perceived mismatch between the song’s title and the event’s focus on heart health. Lovato said she was aware the reaction would likely follow. “And then people online are like, ‘Why did she sing that?’” she said. “It wasn’t me.”
During the event itself, Lovato attempted to contextualize the performance while introducing the song. She described “Heart Attack” as a track about vulnerability, emotional risk, and the experience of opening oneself up despite fear. She also connected those themes to her own personal journey and to the broader message of the event.
Her introduction framed the song less literally, focusing instead on the emotional and psychological aspects tied to the idea of the “mind-heart-body” connection, a concept often referenced in discussions of overall health.
The clarification comes as Lovato continues promoting her latest album, It’s Not That Deep, and prepares for an upcoming tour. In recent weeks, she has made several media appearances, including a performance on The Tonight Show, where she performed the song “Ghost.”
During that appearance, Lovato also spoke about her personal life, including her recent marriage to musician Jordan Lutes. The ceremony included a DJ set by Paris Hilton, as well as a live performance of “Iris” by John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.
Lovato is set to begin touring next month in support of It’s Not That Deep, marking her return to live performances following a period focused on recording and personal milestones.
Her comments about the American Heart Association event provide additional context to a moment that drew attention at the time, emphasizing that the decision to include “Heart Attack” in the setlist was made in collaboration with event organizers rather than independently.
