Demi Lovato Opens Up About Regrets from Her Sister’s Early Acting Career

Demi Lovato is getting candid about one of her biggest regrets — not being “more protective” of her younger sister Madison De La Garza during her childhood acting years on Desperate Housewives.

The 33-year-old singer and actress opened up about the emotional topic during her appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast on October 22, 2025, reflecting on how both sisters were thrust into fame as teenagers.

“At the time, I wish I had been a little bit more protective, to be honest,” Lovato said. “Because that role was really challenging for her at such a young age. I had been distracted by my own stuff going on, and I live with some regret in that aspect.”

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Madison’s Role on Desperate Housewives and Early Fame

Madison De La Garza, now 23, portrayed Juanita Solis, the spirited daughter of Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria), from 2008 to 2012. The show often included jokes about Juanita’s appearance — something that Lovato now views as deeply problematic.

“I do have a little bit of regret because I think it was a difficult role for her,” Lovato said. “There was a lot of scrutiny in the show about her body, and I hate that. But she’s so strong and amazing. She turned out great and I’m so proud of her. She was iconic.”

During the same period, Lovato’s own career skyrocketed. She became one of Disney Channel’s biggest stars, leading Sonny with a Chance, starring in Camp Rock, and launching her pop music career with hit albums like Don’t Forget and Here We Go Again.

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Growing Up in the Spotlight

Lovato admitted that her family was new to Hollywood at the time, having moved from Texas to Los Angeles to pursue entertainment careers. Between auditions, filming, and fame, the siblings rarely had downtime together.

“There was only so much you can do when you’re a teenager,” Lovato reflected. “We were all figuring it out together. I was chasing my dreams, and she was living hers.”

De La Garza echoed this sentiment in Child Star, the 2024 documentary Lovato co-directed, which featured interviews with former child actors reflecting on their experiences in Hollywood.

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Exploring Body Image and Family Healing

In Child Star, Lovato and De La Garza had an emotional conversation about the pressures of fame, body image, and their family’s shared struggles with eating disorders.

“I’m kind of realizing it now,” De La Garza said in the film. “At the time, I don’t think any of us truly realized that what was happening with us was an eating disorder. It makes me sad that this was something we were all battling with while standing next to each other.”

Lovato told the podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers that the documentary helped her and her sister reconnect. “We talked about it openly. She was vulnerable with me, and that’s when I realized the full effect the show had on her,” Lovato shared. “She’s my baby sister, and she always will be.”

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Looking Ahead: New Music and New Perspectives

While reflecting on her past, Lovato is also looking forward. The Grammy-nominated artist is set to release her highly anticipated new album, It’s Not That Deep, on October 24, 2025.

The album reportedly showcases Lovato’s evolution — both musically and emotionally — following years of personal growth, advocacy for mental health, and healing family relationships.

As for her sister, Madison De La Garza continues to act and advocate for body positivity, using her platform to encourage young women to embrace self-love despite public scrutiny.