AceShowbiz - Backstage at Madison Square Garden following their first headlining show at the iconic venue on April 24, 2026, Demi Lovato appeared effortlessly poised despite the late hour and the exhaustion from performing. Clad in a striking white, furry jacket, the singer shared insights with Billboard about their evolving music tastes and the power of nostalgia connecting them to longtime friends like Selena Gomez and Joe Jonas.

Demi Lovato candidly listed some of their current favorite female pop artists, including Zara Larsson, Adele, Lady Gaga, and Sabrina Carpenter. Though the post-show fatigue was evident, their enthusiasm for music remained undiminished. "I'm trying to think of who else," they admitted with a smile, "Sorry, I just played a concert."

The setting was a quick meet-and-greet organized with fans, where each attendee was gifted samples of Lovato's preferred mouthwash, courtesy of their brand partner TheraBreath. Fans were visibly impressed, enhancing the intimate and energetic atmosphere backstage at the historic arena.

Just a few years prior, Demi Lovato had boldly declared their pop career "dead," even holding a mock funeral for the genre after their 2022 rock-focused album, Holy Fvck. However, the artist made a notable return to pop music in October 2025 with the release of It's Not That Deep, an electronic dance-pop album that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. Earlier on the day of the MSG show, Lovato unveiled a deluxe edition titled It's Not That Deep (Unless You Want It to Be), which included eight new tracks, such as the sultry "Low Rise Jeans," a fan favorite introduced during the tour’s opening night in Orlando.

Demi Lovato expressed to Billboard how the additional songs enrich the original album's narrative. "They are great additions to the body of work that was already created," they said. "I knew I wanted to get back into the studio after I released the album. We started working on these songs – I think 'Pretty Catatonic' was the first one that came out of that writing process, and I fell in love with it. It just kind of unfolded from there."

The MSG concert showcased a blend of hits from It's Not That Deep alongside older chart-toppers, including "Heart Attack," "Sorry Not Sorry," and "Cool For The Summer." Fans were treated to two special surprises: Demi Lovato performed "Too Little Too Late" with guest artist JoJo and also sang live for the first time with their husband, Jutes. The couple’s duet of "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls held sentimental value as it was their wedding’s first-dance song.

At the initial tour stop in Orlando, Florida, Demi Lovato reunited onstage with Joe Jonas to perform "This Is Me," the beloved duet from the Disney Channel hit Camp Rock. Both artists serve as executive producers on the upcoming Camp Rock 3, further cementing their ongoing collaboration. The Orlando show also included a backstage reunion with childhood friend Selena Gomez, who attended the concert.

This wave of Disney Channel nostalgia is not limited to Lovato’s circle. Selena Gomez is actively involved in a reboot of Wizards of Waverly Place, while Miley Cyrus recently premiered a special celebrating the Hannah Montana anniversary. These projects highlight a broader revival of beloved shows from that era, appealing especially to fans now in their 30s.

Demi Lovato reflected on this cultural phenomenon, saying, "I think the age that we're at is really loving nostalgia right now. For all the people who are in their 30s and have lived through the Disney era with me, Selena, the Jonas Brothers and Miley, they're craving it, and it's fun to go back and relive those moments."

Moreover, the resurgence of interest in the Disney Channel golden era has led to meaningful reconnections among the stars themselves. Lovato confirmed, "Oh, definitely. Yeah, I think that's why it's all coming together again in this day and age." This renewed closeness has enriched both their personal relationships and professional collaborations.

Throughout the evening at Madison Square Garden, Demi Lovato demonstrated why they remain an influential figure in the pop music landscape. Their ability to blend current trends with nostalgic influences has not only delighted fans but also strengthened bonds with peers from their early career days.

As the It's Not That Deep tour continues, fans can expect further surprises and collaborations that celebrate both Demi Lovato's growth as an artist and the enduring appeal of the Disney era that shaped a generation of performers.