Demi Lovato’s "It’s Not That Deep" Tour Kicks Off with a Powerful Disney Channel Reunion and a Resurgent Pop Star Persona
The opening night of Demi Lovato’s highly anticipated "It’s Not That Deep" tour at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, April 15th, marked a significant moment of full-circle reflection and triumphant return for the artist. The evening was not only a celebration of Lovato’s latest musical chapter but also a deeply personal reunion with key figures from her past, underscored by a palpable sense of renewed confidence and artistic ownership. The concert saw the Grammy-nominated singer share the stage with former Camp Rock co-star and ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas for a surprise performance of the beloved Disney Channel classic "This Is Me," a song that has resonated with fans for nearly two decades. This nostalgic collaboration was further amplified by a backstage reunion with fellow Disney alum Selena Gomez, signaling a healing of past estrangement and a powerful affirmation of Lovato’s personal and professional journey.
The "It’s Not That Deep" tour, which commenced its 18-show run in Orlando, represents a deliberate embrace of Lovato’s pop sensibilities, a persona she had previously distanced herself from. The opening night’s performance, however, showcased a singer who has not only reconciled with her pop roots but has also redefined them with a mature artistry and a commanding stage presence. Lovato’s confident stride down the catwalk, her wide smiles, and her direct engagement with the audience conveyed a profound understanding of her influence and her unwavering connection to her craft. This return to what she does best felt particularly resonant, offering fans a glimpse into an artist who is comfortable, empowered, and in command of her narrative.
A Night of Unforgettable Reunions
The emotional apex of the evening arrived with the surprise appearance of Joe Jonas. During a segment dedicated to surprise songs, Lovato began to perform "This Is Me," a song that has become an anthem of resilience and self-acceptance since its release in 2008. The crowd erupted as Jonas emerged to join her, marking the first time the duo had performed the iconic duet in 17 years. The shared vocal performance was a powerful reminder of their shared history, a testament to enduring friendships, and a nod to the indelible mark they left on a generation of young viewers through the Camp Rock franchise.
Beyond the stage, another significant reunion took place backstage with Selena Gomez. The two artists, who began their careers as child stars on Barney & Friends before rising to prominence on the Disney Channel, had not been publicly seen together in over a decade. Gomez, who was in attendance at the concert, documented the evening extensively on her social media platforms. She shared photos of Lovato commanding the stage, expressed her admiration for Lovato’s vocal prowess, and posted a heartfelt image of the two of them together backstage. "I am in tears," Gomez wrote in an Instagram Story, adding, "@ddlovato – this was hands down one of the best shows. Oh and the VOCALS? Psh blown away." This public display of affection and support from Gomez suggests a significant thawing in their relationship, a development that has been subtly building over the past year.
The history between Lovato and Gomez is deeply intertwined with the formative years of many pop culture enthusiasts. Their early collaborations on Barney & Friends paved the way for their concurrent rise to stardom on the Disney Channel, with Lovato starring in Sonny With a Chance and Gomez in Wizards of Waverly Place. They also shared the screen in the 2009 Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program. While the exact timeline of their estrangement remains private, Lovato alluded to a divergence in their paths in a 2020 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, stating, "When you grow up with somebody, you’re always going to have love for them. But I’m not friends with her. I will always have love for her, and I wish everybody nothing but the best." The recent public gestures, however, indicate a potential mending of this long-standing friendship, a sentiment further evidenced by Lovato’s congratulatory message to Gomez on her engagement to Benny Blanco in September, where she expressed, "I couldn’t be happier for her."
Reclaiming the Pop Spectacle with Mature Artistry
The "It’s Not That Deep" tour’s setlist is a carefully curated blend of Lovato’s latest material and enduring hits, presented with a sophisticated pop sensibility. The opening numbers, including "Fast," "Kiss," and "Frequency" from the new album, immediately established the tour’s energetic and sensual tone. The stage design, reminiscent of film studio backstage corridors, and the choreography echoed the industrial aesthetic of the "Kiss" music video, setting a visually compelling stage for Lovato’s performance. The lyric from "Kiss," "It’s not that deep unless you want it to be," appears to serve as the thematic cornerstone of this new era, reflecting Lovato’s current approach to her music and public persona – one that embraces the fun and accessibility of pop while retaining a deeper, intentional message.
Lovato’s performance style on this tour is a deliberate departure from the raw, introspective themes that characterized her previous eras, such as Holy Fvck and Dancing With the Devil…The Art of Starting Over. While those albums explored significant personal struggles and artistic growth, the "It’s Not That Deep" tour strategically sidelines much of that material, opting instead for a more celebratory and outwardly focused presentation. This strategic curation suggests a conscious decision to reclaim the vibrant, dynamic popstar identity that she once sought to escape. The inclusion of fan favorites like "Heart Attack," "Sorry Not Sorry," and "Confident" delivered with the same vocal power and choreography as their original recordings, highlights a mature return to form, contrasting with recent trends of artists performing only brief snippets of older material. This commitment to fully embodying her past hits offers a refreshing counterpoint and reinforces her enduring connection with her established fanbase.
Adding further depth to the setlist, Lovato also included beloved ballads such as "Stone Cold" and "Skyscraper," creating intimate moments that allowed for a more personal connection with the audience. The debut of unreleased tracks like "Low Rise Jeans" and "Fantasy" further enriched the "It’s Not That Deep" era, showcasing new choreography and demonstrating Lovato’s continued artistic evolution. This multifaceted approach to her performance underscores a newfound comfort and confidence in her artistic identity, allowing her to seamlessly transition between high-energy anthems and emotionally resonant ballads.
A Tour with a Broader Purpose
Beyond the personal milestones and artistic expressions, Lovato’s "It’s Not That Deep" tour also carries a commitment to nurturing emerging talent. The decision to feature Adéla as the opening act signals Lovato’s dedication to providing a platform for the next generation of pop artists. Adéla’s star-making performance, complete with dynamic choreography and multiple costume changes, set a high standard for the evening and underscored Lovato’s role as a mentor and supporter within the music industry. This inclusion reflects a broader vision for the tour, one that extends beyond individual success to encompass the collective advancement of female artists in the pop landscape.
The trajectory of Demi Lovato’s career has been marked by significant personal challenges and triumphs, making the current phase of her artistic journey particularly poignant. Five years ago, the prospect of seeing Joe Jonas join her on stage and Selena Gomez in the audience might have seemed improbable given the complexities of their past relationships and Lovato’s own struggles. However, the opening night of the "It’s Not That Deep" tour in Orlando presented a powerful testament to her resilience and her capacity for growth. Her public mention of her husband, Jutes, who was present in the crowd, further highlights the stability and support she has found in her personal life, which appears to be a foundational element of her current artistic confidence.
The tour’s 18-show schedule will take Lovato across the United States, with upcoming performances in Washington D.C. on April 16th, followed by dates in Philadelphia, Boston, and a highly anticipated show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The tour is slated to conclude on May 25th in Houston. This extensive run promises to deliver the revitalized pop spectacle that fans have come to expect, further solidifying Lovato’s position as a dynamic and enduring force in the music industry. The "It’s Not That Deep" tour appears to be less about grappling with the weight of past experiences and more about embracing the liberation and joy of finally inhabiting her authentic self.
