Demi Lovato drops political ballad ‘Commander In Chief’

Demi Lovato is literally using her voice to encourage people to vote in the upcoming presidential election. The singer is sending a direct message to President Trump with her new song “Commander In Chief,” which questions Trump’s abilities to lead and criticizes the president’s term, which has left more than 200,000 people dead from COVID and inspired a rise in power of white supremacist organizations.“Commander in Chief, honestly/If I did the things you do, I couldn't sleep,” sings Lovato during the song’s chorus, which includes a powerful backing from a choir. “Seriously, do you even know the truth?/We're in a state of crisis, people are dying/While you line your pockets deep/Commander in Chief/How does it feel to still be able to breathe?”Referencing several important social justice issues and movements, Lovato’s brilliant wordplay includes the lyrics “We'll be in the streets while you're bunkering down/Loud and proud, best believe/We'll still take a knee.”Writing “Commander In Chief” with Julia Michaels, Finneas, Justin Tranter, and Eren Cannata, Lovato first shared the song on Instagram on October 13 and encouraged her followers to register to vote. “I'm calling on all of you, please join me in voting for this years election,” wrote Lovato.The singer also gave two sneak peeks of the music video for “Commander In Chief,” which will be released in full on October 14. In one video, a young girl stands in a black room and lip-synchs to Lovato’s new song.

 

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Were you ever taught when you were young... If you mess with things selfishly, they’re bound to come undone?

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Oct 13, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

In a second video, an older man is also singing along while wearing what appears to be a red MAGA hat, but actually says “Make America United Again.”

 

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Haven't they suffered enough?

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Oct 13, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

In her Instagram stories, Lovato posted a lengthy message responding to fans who are criticizing the singer for taking a political stance with her art. “You do understand as a celebrity, I have a right to political views as well? Or did you forget that we aren’t just around to entertain people for our entire lives ... that we are citizens of the same country and we are humans with opinions as well,” wrote LovatoThe singer continued, adding “I literally don’t care if this ruins my career. This isn’t about that. My career isn’t about that. I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans. I’ll take integrity in my work over sales any day. As much as I would like to be sad that I disappointed you, I’m too busy being bummed that you expect me, a queer Hispanic woman, to silence my views/beliefs in order to please my audience.”“Commander In Chief” is Lovato’s latest unannounced single. At the end of September, Lovato surprised fans (and her management team) with the breakup ballad “Still Have Me,” which Lovato released only a few days after news surfaced that the singer had ended her engagement with fiancé Max Ehrich. Also in September, Lovato teamed up with Marshmello for the collaboration “OK To Not Be OK.”Lovato is set to perform at tonight’s Billboard Music Awards, which will feature returning host Kelly Clarkson and appearances from BTS, Alicia Keys, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, Doja Cat, John Legend and more. The 2020 Billboard Music Awards will air at 8 p.m. ET on CTV2.[video_embed id='2054303']Before you go: Demi Lovato’s ex Max Ehrich is ‘not leaving her alone’[/video_embed]