Demi Lovato Clears the Air About “Heart Attack” Song Performance at American Heart Association Event

Demi Lovato is opening up about her decision to perform her hit song “Heart Attack” at a 2024 charity event for the American Heart Association. The singer shared the story during a March 19, appearance on iHeartRadio’s Elvis Duran Show.

“I want to say they asked me to sing that,” Demi explained. “Because I flagged it beforehand and was like, ‘Um, isn’t this like not the vibe?’ And they were like, ‘No, they want to hear it.’”

The performance drew some online criticism at the time, with fans questioning the irony of singing “Heart Attack” for an organization dedicated to preventing heart problems. Demi addressed that, saying, “Then, of course, people online are like, ‘Why did she sing that?’ And I’m like, ‘Y’all, it wasn’t me—I didn’t ask. I flagged it.’”

Elvis Duran joked, “I thought that was the worst idea ever of yours.”

A spokesperson for the event said that Demi’s performance had a deeper message. “She spoke on the mind-heart connection,” the rep said. “It was a sensitive moment intended to champion the women in the room—the very reason why Demi was at the event. It was actually a beautiful moment.”

During the event, Demi, who survived a heart attack and three strokes after a near-fatal overdose in 2018, connected the song to her own journey. “While my next song is about the intense feelings that come with falling in love as well as heartbreak, opening yourself up, taking risks and not being afraid to do it again,” she said on stage, according to Entertainment Tonight. “This song has many parallels for me, my journey and a reminder for all of us in the room just how strong the mind-heart-body connection truly is.”

Today, Demi is in a happy place, both personally and professionally, having married her husband Jutes last May. Reflecting on her growth, she shared advice she’d give her younger self: “I would say that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and all of the hard work becomes worth it. Whether it’s hard work on your recovery from eating disorder, or whether it’s recovery and sobriety, it’s possible to find joy again and to live the life that exceeds your wildest dreams.”

Demi’s explanation shows that her performance wasn’t just about the song—it was about sharing a message of strength, resilience, and the importance of the mind-heart connection.

What do you think about Demi singing “Heart Attack” at the heart charity event? Share your thoughts in the comments.