Ronny Sianturi
The opening night of Demi Lovato’s "It’s Not That Deep" tour at Orlando’s Kia Center on Monday was far more than a typical concert; it was a profound and deeply personal homecoming, marked by unexpected reunions and a triumphant embrace of the pop artistry that first launched their career. The evening saw Lovato share a stage with former Camp Rock co-star and ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas for a surprise rendition of the beloved Disney Channel classic "This Is Me," a song that hasn’t been performed live by the duo in nearly 18 years. Adding another layer of nostalgic significance, Lovato also experienced a heartfelt reconnection with former childhood friend and fellow Disney alumna Selena Gomez, a moment that resonated deeply given their years of estrangement.
This confluence of events, set against the backdrop of Lovato’s confident and commanding stage presence, signaled a significant evolution in their artistry and personal journey. The tour, which kicked off its 18-show run in Orlando, represents a deliberate and powerful return to the pop spectacle that Lovato once distanced themselves from. The singer’s performance radiated a newfound assurance, with wide smiles and direct engagement with the audience underscoring a clear understanding of their established influence and vocal prowess. The Orlando stop, in particular, felt charged with a special energy, as Lovato returned to the very environment that nurtured their early career.
The "It’s Not That Deep" tour’s itinerary includes a significant national rollout. Following their Orlando debut, Lovato is scheduled to perform in Washington D.C. on April 16th, followed by dates in Philadelphia, Boston, and the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. The tour will then extend to the West Coast before concluding on May 25th in Houston. This extensive schedule highlights Lovato’s commitment to engaging with fans across the country and showcasing their revitalized approach to live performance.
A Setlist of Nostalgia and Reclaimed Identity
Lovato’s 24-song setlist masterfully blended the infectious, dance-driven sonics of their latest album, Holy Fvck, with a deep catalog of fan-favorite hits. The performance was characterized by sharp vocals, dynamic choreography, and a production that felt both fresh and deeply nostalgic. The surprise appearance of Joe Jonas was a highlight, revitalizing a song that has held a special place in the hearts of fans for over a decade and a half. The reunion with Selena Gomez, occurring backstage prior to the show, further amplified the emotional resonance of the evening, marking a significant turning point in their long-standing public narrative.
The Gomez Reunion: A Decade in the Making
Selena Gomez was a visible and vocal supporter throughout the evening. Prior to the concert, she was seen arriving with a substantial bouquet of flowers intended for Lovato. During the show, Gomez shared her experience via Instagram Stories, including a clip of herself wearing Lovato’s "It’s Not That Deep" merchandise from her VIP box in the crowd. Her posts featured candid photos of Lovato onstage and a poignant image of the two of them together backstage. Gomez’s caption, "I am in tears," expressed the profound emotional impact of the reunion and the concert itself. She lauded Lovato’s performance, stating, "this was hands down one of the best shows. Oh and the VOCALS? Psh blown away."
The public appearance of Gomez and Lovato together marks a significant moment, as they had not been seen publicly in over a decade. Their shared history began in childhood on Barney & Friends, followed by prominent roles on Disney Channel programs such as Sonny with a Chance and Wizards of Waverly Place. They also starred together in the 2009 Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program. While the exact timeline of their drifting apart remains private, Lovato addressed their relationship 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."
Signs of a thaw in their relationship emerged over the past year. In September, Lovato publicly congratulated Gomez on her engagement to Benny Blanco, expressing genuine happiness for her. This public acknowledgment signaled a potential shift towards reconciliation, culminating in their reunion at the Orlando concert.
Embracing the Pop Spectacle: A Thematic Evolution
Lovato opened the concert with a powerful display of the "sexy, raunchy energy" of their latest album, It’s Not That Deep. The set began with a performance of three fan-favorite tracks from the album: "Fast," "Kiss," and "Frequency." The staging, designed to resemble backstage corridors of a film studio, mirrored the industrial aesthetic of the "Kiss" music video and underscored the album’s thematic explorations. The lyric from "Kiss," "It’s not that deep unless you want it to be," serves as a thematic anchor for Lovato’s current artistic era, suggesting a deliberate choice to embrace complexity on their own terms.
On the surface, the concert presented as a polished electro-pop spectacle, leveraging the danceable rhythms of their new material while seamlessly integrating their established hits. However, a closer examination reveals a more profound narrative: Lovato’s intentional reclamation of the popstar persona they had previously sought to distance themselves from. This embrace of their pop roots, rather than a retreat, appears to be a source of renewed creative fulfillment.
This reclamation is further evidenced by the deliberate absence of material from Lovato’s Holy Fvck and Dancing With the Devil… The Art of Starting Over eras, with the exception of potential surprise song inclusions. In a clever interactive segment, Lovato engages fans by inviting a lucky audience member to select an outfit from these past eras, which then dictates the surprise song to be performed. This approach allows for a nod to their previous work without allowing it to overshadow the current artistic direction.
The "Camp Rock" Reunion: A Cherished Memory
The highly anticipated reunion with Joe Jonas occurred during the surprise song portion of the show. As Lovato began singing "This Is Me," the crowd erupted in anticipation before Jonas himself took the stage to perform his verse. This marked the first time the duo had performed the iconic Camp Rock anthem together in nearly 18 years. They also revisited their earlier collaboration, performing "On the Line," a duet from Lovato’s debut album, Don’t Forget. Lovato playfully estimated the time since their last performance of "This Is Me" as "more like 7 [years]!" to which Jonas responded with a playful challenge to the audience, "You wanna hear another one? Who knows it?"
The performance with Jonas served as a poignant reminder of Lovato’s foundational years in the entertainment industry and underscored the personal growth and healing they have experienced. Lovato also took a moment to acknowledge their husband, Jutes, who was present in the audience, highlighting the stability and support system they now have. The possibility of a Demi Lovato concert featuring Joe Jonas onstage and Selena Gomez in attendance, just five years ago, might have seemed improbable, underscoring the depth of Lovato’s personal evolution.
A Mature Return to Form: Honoring the Past While Forging Ahead
Throughout the concert, Lovato delivered full renditions of hits such as "Heart Attack," "Sorry Not Sorry," and "Confident," staying true to their original arrangements. This approach offered a refreshing contrast to artists who have recently been observed performing mere snippets of their older material. Lovato’s commitment to fully embodying their past hits demonstrated a mature and confident engagement with their discography, a true return to form that resonates with fans. The set also made space for intimate moments, featuring beloved ballads like "Stone Cold" and "Skyscraper," where Lovato connected with their audience on a deeply emotional level. The tour also provided a platform for new material, with Lovato debuting unreleased tracks such as "Low Rise Jeans" and "Fantasy," further enriching the It’s Not That Deep era with new choreography and depth.
Championing Emerging Talent
In a move that reflects Lovato’s commitment to fostering the next generation of artists, the tour features Adéla as the opening act. Adéla’s performance, characterized by dynamic choreography, elaborate staging including a ballet barre, and multiple outfit changes, has been described as a "star-making performance," showcasing her significant talent and potential.
Conclusion: Freedom in Authenticity
The "It’s Not That Deep" tour signifies a pivotal moment for Demi Lovato. No longer striving to prove an edgy persona or distance themselves from their pop roots, Lovato is now fully embracing the joy and creative freedom that comes with authenticity. The opening night in Orlando offered compelling evidence that this tour is less about dwelling on past challenges and more about celebrating the liberation found in self-acceptance and comfort in their own skin. This era marks a confident and radiant chapter for Lovato, one that honors their journey while boldly stepping into a future defined by unapologetic self-expression.
