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Sophomore year can be rough for performers. Breakout artists face pressure to avoid becoming one-hit wonders. Slow starters know they're close but, if they don't hit hard and strong immediately, they may miss their chance altogether.
For Demi Lovato, sophomore year as a performer has been kinder than the kids who bullied the Disney princess into home schooling in her preteens.
She's the headliner on her second concert tour, which hits Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Her second album, "Here We Go Again," (Hollywood Records) hit the top spot on the Billboard charts, and she's currently filming the sequel to her Disney Channel movie, "Camp Rock."
In fact, the pop starlet has been so busy, she hasn't yet had a chance to celebrate her 17th birthday, which occurred Aug. 20.
"I'm going to celebrate after I finish touring … sometime in November when I get home," she says. "I'm having so much fun (on the tour).
"My favorite thing is I don't have to wake up early in the morning for hair and makeup (as on set). I can really connect with the audience and see them enjoying it. When you're filming, you don't get to see people watching."
That doesn't mean she'll be skipping her birthday celebration altogether.
"I never really had a birthday party growing up, so I'm going all out," she continues. "I think we'll have a lot of friends in a really cool (venue), just hanging out. And I'm excited to see who will perform."
At a time when young Hollywood seems to be taking all the wrong turns on the road to fame, Lovato keeps her path - and comments - simple, succinct and straightforward.
"I'm not worried about where I should be next," she says. "I'm really happy doing what I'm doing now and having my fans grow with me."
She sees Kelly Clarkson as a role model.
"I'm a fan of her music and just the way she handles herself," Lovato says. "She's known more for her music that her personal life and I respect that."
Speaking of music, Lovato had at least one dream come true this year. She got to work with John Mayer - one of her musical influences, along with Clarkson and Christina Aguilera - on her album.
"I wrote two songs with him. He's awesome," she gushes.
Of all three, she says, "They have very distinct voices. You can never mistake them for someone else. And, they're all extremely talented."
Lovato possesses plenty of that, too. Besides her peppy, catchy voice, the young star plays guitar and piano and writes or co-writes all her own lyrics.
"'Catch Me' is my favorite, because I wrote it by myself," she says. "All of my songs are based on personal experiences."
So, will the teenager be sneaking onto the casino floor while at the Taj?
"Oh my gosh, no," Lovato says. "I wish I was that cool and edgy. Honestly, I don't get it (gambling), I don't see the fun. Maybe when I grow up."
Contact Felicia Compian:
609-272-7209
Demi Lovato
WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
WHERE: Xanadu, Trump Taj Mahal Casino
Resort, Atlantic City
HOW MUCH: Tickets, priced at $39.50 and $49.50, are available at the Trump Taj Mahal box office or at Ticketmaster by calling 800 736 1420 or ticketmaster.com.
WEB SITE: www.demilovato.com
On set at 'Camp Rock 2'
When she's not headlining her own concert tour, the multi-talented Demi Lovato keeps busy by filming her TV show, "Sonny With a Chance," and other Disney projects such as "Camp Rock 2." The plot of the movie, in which Lovato plays "Mitchie," a shy girl with a big singing voice, runs remarkably parallel to Lovato's life.
"Mitchie is the same girl with the same good heart, only she's more mature this time around," Lovato says. "I associate with Mitchie because even though she is a character, we both have grown musically and emotionally since Camp Rock."
The daughter of a kitchen worker at the prestigious summer camp, Mitchie experiences some social stigma and bullying from the popular clique at the camp. The experience is certainly one to which Lovato can relate, as the pop star has been very open about the fact she wasn't always so popular. What's more, Lovato is doing something about it.
"Helping kids who've been or are being bullied is something I'm passionate about because I went through it," she says.
Check out Lovato's public service announcement against bullying at www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org