Demi Lovato has revealed that they are making their directorial debut - taking the helm in a brand new documentary exploring the struggles of child fame.
The 30-year-old chart-topper is perhaps one of the best choices to be at the helm of such a project, having first started her acting career at the age of 10 when she appeared in children's TV favorite Barney & Friends in 2002.
After making several more small television appearances, Lovato then shot to fame when she landed the lead roles in Disney Channel's As the Bell Rings (2007-08), Sonny with a Chance (2009-11), and the forever iconic Camp Rock movies (2008, 2010).
These roles also helped Lovato become a recognized name in the music industry, with the Camp Rock soundtrack debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200 in 2008. Additionally, her solo track 'This Is Me' would peak at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Later that year, Lovato would release her debut studio album, Don't Forget - which, despite eventually being certified gold and earning favorable reviews, also opened up a teenage Lovato to criticism.
Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle stated how Lovato's "rock tendencies" would "sometimes dwindle into unmelodic misses". Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly added: "Demi Lovato might satisfy her 'tween fans but she won't be winning any rockers over with Don't Forget".
Sadly, despite Lovato clearly being a beautiful and talented singer/actor, the entertainment industry - along with the booming social media scene - was something that opened her up to constant criticism. Along with this, Lovato revealed in her four-part YouTube miniseries, Demi Lovato: Dancing With The Devil, that she was raped by somebody in her life whom she had previously trusted.
This trauma resulted in Lovato's confidence being destroyed, and she would go on to battle an eating disorder that would see her throwing up blood.
As well as this, Lovato would also attempt to cope with her past traumas with drugs and alcohol, and would suffer a near-fatal (and very public) overdose in 2018.
Fortunately, it appears as if Lovato is in a much better place now, and is ready to share with the world the plight that can come with fame at a young age.
Per ABC News, the documentary - simply called Child Star - is due to debut on the Hulu streaming platform in 2024.
The project with mark the singer's directorial debut, with the early synopsis explaining how the doc will "deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars."
A press release adds: "The film will also "explore how children are propelled to superstardom at a young age and how their rise to fame, fortune, and power affects their futures."
And in a statement from Lovato, she said "there is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story, which is close to home."
The 'Cool for the Summer' singer continued: "Our project sheds light on important messages about growing up in the public eye, learning to protect our boundaries, and becoming active advocates of our own destinies.
"I'm humbled to be able to learn from the individuals who have lived the unique experience of child stardom and share their stories in our film."
There's no doubt this new documentary will make for compelling viewing, and after living through and surviving child stardom, there is perhaps nobody better than Lovato to sit in the captain's seat.
