Demi Lovato took the Palco Mundo stage at Rock in Rio on Saturday delivering a career-spanning set that mixed material from her latest album, It’s Not That Deep, with some of the biggest songs from her back catalog. The show took place on Sept. 12 during the second weekend of Rock in Rio 2026. Lovato performed ‘Solo,’ her 2018 collaboration with Clean Bandit, alongside newer material representing the latest chapter of her pop career. The set also featured newer songs including ‘Fast,’ ‘Kiss,’ ‘Frequency,’ ‘Low Rise Jeans,’ ‘Fantasy,’ and ‘Here All Night.’ Several of the songs came from It’s Not That Deep, Lovato’s ninth studio album. Together, Lovato and Vittar performed the 2015 hit to close out the set, giving one of Lovato’s signature songs a distinctly Brazilian twist. Vittar joined Lovato for ‘Cool for the Summer’ as the final song of the performance. The song first appeared on Lovato’s 2015 album Confident.
One of Brazil’s biggest pop stars and among the world’s most prominent drag performers, Vittar has built an international following through collaborations with artists including Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and Rina Sawayama, according to Consequence. Vittar appeared on Lady Gaga’s ‘Fun Tonight’ remix, recorded ‘Flash Pose’ with Charli XCX, and teamed with Rina Sawayama for ‘Follow Me.’
The performance took place at the Rock in Rio festival, a major music event held periodically in Rio de Janeiro. The 2026 edition ran on Sept. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13 at the Cidade do Rock. Lovato performed on the sixth day of the festival. Lovato’s set included both recent and classic tracks, showcasing her evolution as an artist over the years. The collaboration with Vittar brought a fresh energy to the song, highlighting how music can bridge cultures and genres. Folha de S.Paulo reported that Lovato performed without a live band during the Rock in Rio set. She was instead accompanied by dancers as she moved through the pop-heavy show.
This appearance marked one of several high-profile performances by Lovato in recent months as she continues to build her live presence after a period of personal challenges. The Rock in Rio performance was part of the It’s Not That Deep Tour. Lovato is also scheduled to perform two shows at Suhai Music Hall in São Paulo on Sept. 15 and 16.
The Rock in Rio event is known for featuring international acts and local Brazilian artists alike. The Sept. 12 Palco Mundo lineup also featured Pedro Sampaio, J Balvin, and Maroon 5. Maroon 5 served as the night’s Palco Mundo headliner and followed Lovato later in the evening. Vittar’s involvement in the performance added a unique flair to the evening, emphasizing the festival's commitment to diversity in music.
Lovato’s stage presence was strong throughout the set, connecting with fans and delivering memorable renditions of her hits. The performance closed with a powerful version of ‘Cool for the Summer’ that had the audience singing along. The setlist also included ‘Heart Attack,’ ‘Tell Me You Love Me,’ ‘Confident,’ and ‘Sorry Not Sorry.’ Lovato performed older favorites including ‘Skyscraper,’ ‘Give Your Heart a Break,’ and ‘Really Don’t Care.’ The Rock in Rio set ran for about 70 minutes and included 20 songs according to Setlist.fm.
It was a moment that highlighted both Lovato’s resilience and her continued relevance in the pop landscape.
The Rock in Rio festival has long been a platform for artists to showcase their talents on a global stage. The first Rock in Rio was held in 1985 and the festival has since expanded beyond Brazil with editions in other countries. This particular performance demonstrated how music can unite people across different backgrounds and regions. Rock in Rio’s official history says its events have drawn millions of attendees since the festival began.
Lovato’s live performances have been widely noted, especially after her past struggles with mental health and substance use. Her current tour supports a pop-focused period in her career after the release of It’s Not That Deep in October 2025. The collaboration with Vittar also underscored the growing influence of Latin American artists in mainstream pop music.
Audiences at Rock in Rio were treated to a mix of nostalgia and innovation, as Lovato brought both old favorites and new sounds to the stage. Before the festival, Lovato said her Brazilian fans held a special place in her heart and that she was looking forward to singing with them again.
Lovato’s set concluded with a celebration of music’s power to bring joy and connection to fans around the world. The festival continued after her performance, with Maroon 5 closing the night on the Palco Mundo.