Demi Lovato frustrated her charity work gets overshadowed

Demi Lovato is frequently frustrated when her charitable work is overshadowed by celebrity gossip and online feuds.

The 23-year-old pop star has spent the past few years putting her fame to good use by advocating for issues dear to her heart, including rights for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community and those suffering from addiction and mental health problems.

But the Cool for the Summer singer has never been one to use a filter when it comes to speaking her mind, most recently engaging in an online feud with Mariah Carey fans after suggesting Ariana Grande was a better singer.

Clashes such as those have made Lovato exasperated over which stories gain more media coverage, telling Elle Canada magazine she would much rather have her philanthropic efforts highlighted than celebrity squabbles.

"It's frustrating to see my charity work overshadowed by silly things, but you have to roll with the punches," Lovato admits. "The accolades that matter most to me are the ones that recognise the work I've done charity-wise. That's really what matters most. No number one single can ever top that. It's the thing that keeps me strong, makes me feel that when I want to give up, I know I have this going for me."

Lovato touched upon the recent feud with Carey's fans, which prompted her to take a break from Twitter - but it only lasted one day.

"I came back so quickly because I was like... It doesn't mean that I should punish my fans for what my haters say," she explained. "I'm just so tired of caring."

In fact, one of the tweets Lovato sent upon her return to social media noted the lack of attention for her charitable work, writing, "That one time I started my own charity providing mental-health care for people who can't afford it and this is what y'all talk about."

In 2013, Demi launched a scholarship programme providing financial assistance for transitional living and clinical services for mental health and/or addiction issues.

She is also holding self-improvement events at stops throughout her current tour with pal Nick Jonas.