I’m not going to try to hide it, I’m a big fan of Demi Lovato. I’m listening to “Heart Attack” as I write this. I think her music is a lot of fun without being too bubble-gum pop and too risqué. I’m an even bigger fan of her as a person.

There are very few celebrities out there that I can honestly say serve as a good role model for kids today. I can count the number of truly inspiring young entertainers on one hand. That’s a big sad.

Demi Lovato is one of those people.

Before June of 2012, I knew next to nothing about her. I knew she was a Disney Channel kid and that at one point, she entered treatment.

That’s about it.

She jumped on my radar when I attended a taping of the X-Factor in Providence, RI. I wanted to hate her simply because so many young girls were SCREAMING at the top of their lungs at the very mention of her name. That’s enough to dive anyone nuts.

As the taping got underway, I couldn’t help but love her. She was smart, funny, and genuine. I was hooked.

I began paying more attention to her (following on Twitter, keeping an eye on the news feeds and I’ll even admit that I caved and watched some of the X-Factor as the new season began). That’s when I saw what a wonderfully amazing person she is.

Her anti-bullying efforts are to be commended and that fact that she is so open about her own struggles is both refreshing and inspiring. Recently, during a performance at the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash, she took a breather from performing to talk about her treatment at a facility close to the concert venue.

This is the type of person I would want my kids looking up to. She the type of person I would love to meet and have a conversation with (I’m sorry to say you won’t find me at a concert unless I was comfortable sat somewhere off-stage away from the screaming…backstage passes perhaps?).

I know this a bit of an “off-topic” entry for this blog, but considering her message to her fans through the above video and the difference she is working to make in the world, I think she fits right in!

What celebrities to do think kids should be looking up to?

Josh Gunderson is an award-winning speaker specializing in Internet Safety and Cyberbullying. For more information on Josh and his educational programs please visit www.HaveYouMetJosh.com