Demi Lovato has said that performing Heart Attack at a charity event focused on heart health was not her decision.

In 2024, the singer and actress attracted attention online after performing her 2013 hit during the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection gala.

However, during a recent appearance on The Elvis Duran Show on Thursday, Demi clarified that the event team specifically requested the song as part of her set.

"They asked me to sing that," she said. "I flagged it beforehand and was like, 'Isn't this, like, not the vibe?' They were like, 'No, they wanna hear it.' I was like, 'OK?'"

Despite that explanation, she still faced backlash across social media because of the song choice.

"And then, of course, people online are like, 'Why did she sing that?'" the 33 year old remembered, adding: "Y'all, it wasn't me! I flagged it!"

When she introduced the track at the event, Demi explained to the audience that the song held personal meaning for her.

"While my next song is about the intense feelings that come with falling in love as well as heart break, 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," she told the crowd at the time, per Entertainment Tonight.

Back in 2018, Demi was hospitalised following an opioid overdose.

As a result of the incident, she experienced several serious medical issues including a heart attack and brain damage.

The pop artist, who married musician Jutes last year, has since maintained her sobriety.

Demi released her ninth studio album It's Not That Deep last October and is preparing for a North American tour scheduled to run from April through May 2026.