Title: Demi Lovato Parts Ways with Manager Scooter Braun
Subtitle: The singer follows in the footsteps of Justin Bieber, signaling a change in management
Demi Lovato has decided to split from renowned music manager Scooter Braun, according to insider sources. This news comes shortly after rumors circulated that Justin Bieber, another high-profile client of Braun’s, was also planning to leave his management company after a long-standing professional relationship. However, representatives for both Bieber and Braun have dismissed these reports, denying any intention to sever ties.
The first reports of Lovato seeking new management surfaced on Monday, August 21, with Billboard being the first outlet to break the news. The singer officially cut ties with Braun’s SB Projects last month, a move that left industry insiders eager to learn her reasons behind the decision.
At just 31 years old, Lovato had signed with Braun’s management company in 2019, expressing her excitement and gratitude on Instagram. She had written, “Dreams came true for me. I officially have a NEW MANAGER. And not just any manager, but the one and only Scooter Braun. Couldn’t be happier, inspired, and excited to begin this next chapter. Thank you for believing in me and for being a part of this new journey.”
Lovato now joins the ranks of other noteworthy artists who have departed from Braun’s management, including popular Colombian singer J Balvin, who made the move in May earlier this year.
Braun’s name has become synonymous with controversy due to his ongoing feud with pop megastar Taylor Swift. The clash began in 2019 when Braun acquired Swift’s longtime label, Big Machine Records, as well as the rights to the master recordings of her first six studio albums. In November 2020, Braun sold the masters to an investment fund in a deal reportedly worth over $300 million.
Swift, who had expressed her desire to acquire her masters, publicly criticized Braun, labeling him a “bully” and accusing him of embodying “toxic male privilege in our industry.” In response, Swift embarked on a mission to re-record her albums, ensuring that the new masters’ owners would not profit from her music. She encouraged her fans to listen to the updated versions known as “Taylor’s Versions.”
In a subsequent interview with NPR’s Jay Williams, Braun acknowledged that the situation served as a “learning lesson” for him. He expressed regret for assuming that everyone involved would be open to working with him following the deal’s completion. Braun admitted that he did not know the people involved and recognized how Swift could perceive his actions as unfair.
While Braun still feels he was treated unfairly during the fallout from the purchase, he chooses to view it as a chance for growth and wishes all parties well.
Representatives for Scooter Braun have been approached for comment regarding Lovato’s departure, but no response has been received thus far.
In conclusion, the departure of Demi Lovato from Scooter Braun’s management company marks another significant change in the music industry. Whether this could be the start of a larger exodus from Braun’s stable or simply individual career decisions remains to be seen.