Delena fans (okay fine, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez) might want to sit down for this one.
The former Disney-era besties have had a complicated history over the years, but Demi just gave a rare update about where things stand between them in 2026 and it’s kind of wholesome.
During a recent appearance on the Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast, Demi reflected on their long history together, their early friendship, and why Selena always made her feel safe during their chaotic child-star days.
Their Friendship Actually Started Before Disney
A lot of people associate Demi and Selena with the Disney Channel era, but their friendship actually started way before that. Both stars met as kids while filming Barney & Friends, long before either of them became global pop stars.
Speaking on the podcast’s March 3 episode, Demi explained that having Selena around during their Disney years gave her a sense of stability:
“What was beautiful is, Selena and I had a friendship prior to Disney Channel because we were actually on Barney together,” Demi said. “So I felt this safety when I came into the Disney Channel, having a built-in friendship there already.”
Basically, while the Disney machine was busy turning young stars into household names, Demi already had someone in her corner.
Demi Says She’s Still Grateful for Her Friendship With Selena
Even though the two have had their ups and downs over the years, Demi made it clear she still values their connection: “I’m so grateful for that, and will always be grateful for the friendship that I have and continue to have with her,” she said.
Considering how rarely Demi and Selena talk about each other publicly these days, fans definitely noticed that line.
Demi and Selena’s Relationship Has Had Ups and Downs
If you’ve followed Demi and Selena since the Disney days, you already know their friendship hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
Things reportedly became more distant after Demi entered rehab in 2010. Over the years, the two seemed to drift apart, and by 2020 Demi even said in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar that they weren’t really friends anymore, though she still cared about Selena.
So yeah… it’s been a complicated on-and-off celebrity feud.
Selena Also Recently Showed Love to the Disney Crew
Interestingly, Selena recently spoke warmly about her fellow Disney alumni too. During an August 2025 appearance on Jake Shane’s Therapuss podcast, she reflected on growing up alongside stars like Demi, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers.
“We were all, you know, from the Jonas Brothers to Miley and Demi, and then it was Zendaya,” Selena said.
“It’s just so cool to see all the people you went to school with, if you will… it’s good to see them all do their thing.”
In other words: the Disney kids are still rooting for each other.
Demi Has Also Supported Selena’s Recent Milestones
Demi has also had nothing but positive things to say about Selena lately. When Selena and Benny Blanco released their joint album I Said I Love You First, Demi gave it a shoutout during a September 2025 appearance on Watch What Happens Live!.
“I have listened to the album—really, really great job,” Demi said. “I loved the songs on it. ‘Bluest Flame’ was my song.”
She also shared how happy she was for Selena following her engagement: “I couldn’t be happier for her… I just wish her the best,” she added.
Between their Barney beginnings, Disney Channel fame, and years of navigating the spotlight, Demi and Selena’s story has definitely had its twists and turns.
But hearing Demi say she’s grateful for the friendship they “continue to have” feels like a pretty full-circle moment. We love to see a little Disney nostalgia healing.
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