Though only 21, the pint-sized pop star has already dealt with the pressures of stardom. Bursting onto the scene as a Disney Channel starlet, Lovato captured the hearts of tweens everywhere before seamlessly transitioning into the world of music, with her first two albums landing at No. 2 and No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 respectively. After struggling with personal demons and a publicized meltdown, Lovato returned even stronger. Between two more albums, national tours, a return to the screen and a stint as a judge on The X-Factor, it’s safe to say the Dallas-native conquered the personal strife that marred her late teens. Using a “girl empowerment” theme as the backdrop to her 41-date Neon Lights tour, Lovato has gone to hell and back, and come out a brave, talented young woman ready to handle the pressures of fame.
Thu., Feb. 13, 7 p.m., 2014
Daniel Kohn is a writer based in Southern California. With bylines in an assortment of outlets, Kohn primarily specializes in music with other interests ranging from sports to food. As a transplant, Kohn loves the beautiful weather and is glad he no longer has to deal with brutal winters. If you see him, say hi and of course, he’s always willing to down a beer or two…if you’re paying.