Demi Lovato channeled her inner princess in a voluminous red ballgown as she graced the red carpet at the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” Red Dress Collection Concert in New York City on Wednesday.
Combining music and fashion, the 31-year-old singer and actress headlined this year’s concert. After changing out of her crimson gown for a red latex suit, she performed a 10-song set that included her 2013 hit song, Heart Attack.
The AHA annual event aims to increase awareness of cardiovascular diseases, which claim the lives of one in three women each year. Over the years, it has evolved into an iconic concert, celebrity fashion, and influencer event that unites celebrities, fashion designers, musicians, and members of the media.
Demi Lovato‘s Fairytale Red Ballgown by Nicole + Felicia
Demi, whose fashion aesthetic often blends edgy and feminine elements, looked ladylike in her crimson gown by Taiwan-based fashion brand Nicole + Felicia, known for its elaborate, contemporary evening and bridal gowns.
The exquisite ensemble hugged every curve of Lovato’s upper body and accentuated her trimmed waistline. It had a fitted corset bodice with a daring open back, a halter neckline, and a Basque waistline that flared out into a full, billowing skirt with a structured pannier that arched out at the hips to create more volume.
Demi Lovato at the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” Red Dress Collection Concert held at Jazz at Lincoln Centre on January 31, 2024 (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Accessorizing Like Royalty: Demi’s Evening Essentials
Injecting her signature edge to the classic ballgown silhouette, the Princess Protection Program actress styled the feminine look with black details, including a black clutch and black nail polish.
She kept her evening necessities in the $3,025 Tyler Ellis “Perry” clutch, which had an elegant emerald shape inspired by Tyler’s engagement ring. It was made by Italian artisans from black diamond-stamped satin and came with the brand’s signature Pinecone closure and Thayer Blue lining.
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A pair of diamond earrings, a nose ring, and her pear-shaped engagement ring rounded out her stunning look. Weighing around 4.5 to 5 carats, the massive ring, set in a cathedral solitaire yellow gold band, is estimated to be worth $150,000.
Demi Lovato, who found it exhausting to use they/them pronouns, got engaged to Canadian musician Jutes, real name Jordan Lutes, in December 2023 after one year and four months of dating.
Demi Lovato channels her inner princess in a classic red ballgown with a Basque waistline and a pannier by Taiwan-based label Nicole + Felicia (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Jill Jacobs, whose clientele includes Desi Perkins, Lori Harvey, Kylie Jenner, Charli D’Amelio, and Chloe Bailey, put together Demi Lovato’s stunning red carpet look.
Jose Corella gave her a bronzed glow with smokey eye makeup and winged eyeliner to highlight her lovely brown eyes before finishing the look with nude lipstick.
Danielle Priano, meanwhile, styled Lovato’s raven hair in tousled waves with a deep side part.
Demi Lovato shows off her arm tattoos and pear-shaped diamond engagement ring while holding a black Tyler Perry clutch (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)
From Ballgown to Latex: Demi’s Stage Transformation
Demi Lovato wore the same glam for her performance but swapped her gorgeous ballgown for a shiny red pantsuit.
She donned an oversized red latex jacket with bold padded shoulders that protruded to the sides. The striking piece was paired with a tonal boned corset to tighten her waist and accentuate her slimmer figure.
Demi teamed her edgy top with matching red latex wide-leg pants that showed her squared platform shoes.
Demi Lovato performing her hits, including Heart Attack, at the AHA Red Dress Collection Concert 2024 (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
During her performance, Lovato briefly held up a black guitar, adding a chic contrast to her edgy yet glamorous head-to-toe red look.
The Camp Rock star posted backstage photos on her Instagram Story before the event, encouraging her followers to join her and the American Heart Association to “Go Red for Women.”
“Tonight is all about reminding women how important it is to advocate for ourselves and prioritize our health,” she captioned her post.
Demi Lovato swaps her red ballgown for a red latex pantsuit for her 10-song set (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The Significance of ‘Heart Attack’ at the AHA Event
Demi Lovato raised some eyebrows after videos of her performing her 2013 song Heart Attack at the recent American Heart Association event circulated online.
“She performs Heart Attack at an event where people had heart attacks??,” one X user asked.
“She didn’t think this one through,” another said.
However, it turned out that Lovato’s decision to perform the song was supported and encouraged by the American Heart Association.
Demi Lovato receives criticism for singing her 2013 hit Heart Attack at the American Heart Association event (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Page Six learned that Lovato thought she wouldn’t be able to perform the song again following a near-death experience and a heart attack caused by a drug overdose in 2018.
“Following Demi’s heart attack and near-death experience, for a few years, Demi thought she would not be able to sing ‘Heart Attack,’” the insider said.
Lovato discussed the song’s significance to her journey during her introduction to the song.
“While my next song is about the intense feelings that come with falling in love as well as heartbreak, opening yourself up, taking risks, and not being afraid to do it again, this song has many parallels for me, my journey and a reminder for all of us in the room just how strong the mind-heart-body connection truly is.”
A representative for the singer told Entertainment Weekly, “She spoke on the mind-heart connection. It was a sensitive moment intended to champion the women in the room — the very reason why Demi was at the event. She did open with a beautiful intro on why she chose the song and addressed the room, talking about the mind and heart connection. It was actually a beautiful moment.”