JoJo Siwa

JoJo Siwa: The Journey of a Media Sensation

‘Joelle Joanie ‘JoJo’ Siwa is an American singer, dancer, actress, and media personality born May 19, 2003. She appeared on Dance Moms (2015-2016) and later signed with Nickelodeon, releasing several children’s songs and her film The J Team in 2021.’

JoJo Siwa’s journey is a fascinating tale of transformation and reinvention. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Jessalynn Siwa (née Lombardi) and Tom Siwa, a chiropractor, JoJo has come a long way from her early days on Dance Moms. Her career trajectory is nothing short of remarkable, blending the worlds of dance, music, and media in ways that have made her a household name.

Her journey began with her appearance on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. JoJo was eliminated in week 9 but didn’t let this setback deter her. She joined the ALDC dance competition team in 2014 and signed with Nickelodeon in 2017, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Since then, JoJo has released several songs, including ‘Boomerang’ and ‘I Can Make U Dance,’ which have garnered millions of views. Her music video for ‘Boomerang’ has been viewed over 1 billion times, making it one of the most watched videos on YouTube. This achievement alone speaks volumes about her impact in the entertainment industry.

But JoJo’s influence extends beyond just music and dance. She has partnered with J.C. Penney to release products featuring her likeness, created a line of hair bows for Claire’s, and even released several books for young children. Her versatility as an artist is truly impressive.

The Breakthrough and Beyond

JoJo Siwa was named the Breakout Artist of the Year by Vivid Seats in 2018 and announced her first major concert tour, D.R.E., which was scheduled to visit 52 cities across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia from May 17 to August 20. This tour marked a significant step in her career as an adult artist.

In 2020, JoJo competed on The Masked Singer as ‘T-Rex’ and appeared in a video game. In 2021, she took part in Dancing with the Stars and was included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People list. These achievements further cemented her status as a media sensation.

JoJo Siwa has also been vocal about social issues, particularly anti-bullying advocacy. She responded to controversy over a board game featuring her name and image, and promoted a breakfast cereal called JoJo Siwa Strawberry Bop. Her commitment to these causes is commendable and reflects her broader influence beyond entertainment.

From Child Star to Adult Artist

In 2023, JoJo formed a group with Jessalyn called XOMG Pop that auditioned on America’s Got Talent. In 2024, she was announced as returning to So You Think You Can Dance and debuted her new post-Nickelodeon image at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. The look became an internet meme, highlighting how much JoJo has grown and evolved.

On April 5, 2024, Siwa released her official debut single as an adult artist, ‘Karma,’ which received mostly negative reviews and generated online backlash. In an interview with Billboard, she expressed a desire to ‘start a new genre of music . . . It’s called gay pop.’ This statement sparked intense debate and criticism from the LGBTQ+ community.

Following viral backlash and negative criticism from queer musicians Tegan and Sara, Siwa clarified her position in a later interview. She stated, ‘I am not the inventor of gay pop, for sure not. . . . I might not be the president, but I might be the CEO, or the CMO.’ This response shows JoJo’s willingness to engage with criticism and clarify her intentions.

Despite the controversy, JoJo Siwa continued to release music. In July 2024, she released her fourth EP, titled Guilty Pleasure, which was met with mixed to negative reception. The fourth track from the project, ‘CHOOSE UR FIGHTER,’ was released as a single with an accompanying music video on January 1.

Personal Life and Relationships

JoJo Siwa’s personal life is just as intriguing as her professional journey. She has been in several relationships, including one with TikTok star Mark Bontempo from August to November 2020. JoJo came out as being part of the LGBTQ+ community on social media in January 2021, initially declining to label her sexuality. She has since shared that she is not attracted to men and identifies as lesbian.

She had an on-and-off relationship with Kylie Prew from February 2021 to June 2022. JoJo dated social media content creator Avery Cyrus from August to December 2022 and dancer Dakayla Wilson from August to November 2024. In January 2025, she confirmed her relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs.

JoJo Siwa has also expressed interest in participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, specifically wanting to represent Poland due to her Polish heritage. This shows her continued engagement with various aspects of her identity and interests.

A Media Sensation’s Evolution

JoJo Siwa’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing entertainment landscape. From her early days on Dance Moms to becoming a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, JoJo has consistently pushed boundaries and embraced new challenges.

Her willingness to explore different genres and her commitment to social causes make her not just a media sensation but also an influential figure. As she continues to evolve as both an artist and a public personality, JoJo Siwa remains a fascinating subject of discussion and admiration in the entertainment world.