Former Disney star Demi Lovato feels she has had an easier time growing up in limelight as compared to Miley Cyrus as she went to rehab.
The 21-year-old actress said her transition was a little easier than Cyrus, 20, reported Us magazine.
"I think that the world needs to get over the fact that she was Hannah Montana when she was 16," Lovato said, adding, "I guess my transition was a little easier because I went straight to rehab."
The actress completed a stint in rehab from October 2010 to January 2011 for physical and emotional issues. She later revealed that she suffered from bulimia, self-injury and self-medicating, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder during treatment.
Though Cyrus' recent raunchy performances and wardrobe choices have attracted a lot of criticism, Lovato said she believes Cyrus should be free to do whatever she wants.
"I think she knows what she's doing. A lot of artists take that route of shock value, and that's totally fine and that's great. But I think she has such an incredible voice that's overshadowed by some of the things that she's doing," Lovato said.
"It's her journey. She's having fun. She's being who she is. I'll always love her. She's been one of my friends since I was 14. But everyone is on their different journeys right now and she's doing that and she's having fun. So power to her," she added.
