A rep for the troubled teen idol has confirmed to E! News that she's leaving her longtime perch as the star of Disney Channel's hit Sonny With a Chance to pursue her burgeoning pop career—and get over what's been ailing her.
Given the actress sought treatment recently for "physical and emotional issues," the change might do her good.
"It made sense for me to go ahead and leave the show to focus on my music," Lovato tells People. "It's kind of sad for me that a chapter of my life has ended but there couldn't be a better time for me to move on."
Particularly if being on the tube right now is an unfriendly reminder of the "nervous breakdown" she suffered last October while touring with the Jonas Brothers—an episode that led her to check into rehab, which she finished in January.
"I don't think going back to Sonny would be healthy for my recovery," says the 18-year-old actress-singer. "Being in front of a camera would make me nervous."
Lovato acknowledged in an interview in last week's Seventeen that she has been battling an eating disorder and cutting issues, something she urged her young fans to get help for if they confronted similar body image problems.
A publicist for Disney wished the erstwhile Camp Rock star well.
"We respect Demi's decision to focus fulltime on her music and not immediately return to her acting career," said the rep in a statement. "She is a talented young woman and our hearts are with her as she continues to take action to improve her health and bounce back from adversity."
In Sonny With a Chance, Lovato plays teenager Sonny Munroe who becomes the newest cast member in a live, sketch-comedy show. Sonny premiered in February 2009 and was going strong after two seasons when the thesp decided to enter treatment.
Good thing Disney had planned for this—the Mouse House had refocused Sonny on the show within the show when production on the third season commenced in January without her.
That show is awful, and she actually has a good voice, so...
The show is unbearable, & her acting skills are minimal. Her singing career will take her much farther because she's capable of making really good music. All she has to do is leave Disney.
This is what Demi needs to do to finally become a big star I think she can be a big pop star. She has an amazing voice, all she needs is the right push and material and she'll do great things.
Smart career choice. Disney never really cared for her to begin with. Also, she needs to leave Hollywood Records! Not a fan, but good luck to her.
If Disney never cared for her they wouldn't have made her the lead in Camp Rock 1 & 2 or given her a show. They've mishandled her career greatly though.
She is the only one that can king but! she doesnt sale as much as selena or miley!
and i dont think she ever will!
She should of stayed on SWAC for a longer time! these disney girls think they are like legends or somthing lol!
they always fall after they leave disney!
This made my day 
