Oh No, JoJo

I am sure you have seen JoJo Siwa’s rebrand on social media by now. The childhood dancer who was idolized by little kids for her spunky attitude and iconic bow hairstyle has ventured off into a new side of herself that is causing chaos and criticism.

Siwa’s fame originated from the reality show Dance Moms. She joined the show in season four, stayed through season six, and reappeared in season eight. Throughout her entire run on the show, she and her mother were disliked for their “loud personalities,” but that is where she gained the platform to move up in the celebrity world.

In the years following her Dance Moms success, Siwa has shifted from dancer to singer, entrepreneur, actor, and social media personality.

But in the past three years, the child celebrity has worked diligently to reform her brand from her innocent dance prodigy persona. Now, Siwa could be perceived as anarchic and drama-provoking. She has also identified as a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The latest Siwa controversy is surrounding her new song, “Karma.” Initially written for Miley Cyrus, the song was recorded by Brit Smith in 2012 instead, but after being scrapped many times, it was put in the vault. Now, 12 years later, Siwa was pitched the song and loved it. There was no concern about it being “outdated”; she resonated with it and wanted to sing it. In an interview with TMZ, Siwa addressed accusations about her “stealing” “Karma,” saying, "What happens is people write songs, and then, they don't do anything with them.” Hence how it landed in her lap.

Image Courtesy: Karma Music Video / Vimeo

The song shows a darker, more mature Siwa than her previous “bubblegum pop persona” as Genius wrote it.

However, the real issue here is post-song release. Siwa mistakenly said that she had invented a new genre of music called “gay pop;” A genre established before Siwa was even a thought in her mother’s head. Musicians like Prince, David Bowe, and Elton John are the true founding fathers of gay pop.

Since her statement about creating the genre, Siwa has said she acknowledges she is not the creator but would like the title of CEO (Chief Executive Officer) or CMO (Chief Marketing Officer.) I am not sure about you, but that is a wild title to try to claim in my book. Many LGBTQ+ musicians, far more talented and known than Siwa, could have the right to claim that, but not her.

Fans say this new rebrand is entirely inspired by the Miley Cyrus “Bangerz” era. Is that what this is? Your typical childhood star turned out-of-pocket adult?

While some of the internet claims her behavior is due to drug use, others say it is brain damage from all the tight ponytails. At the end of the day, though, we all have the general question: What is going on with Siwa?

In a recent interview with Alex Cooper, featured on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Siwa explained her view of her rebranding.

Flashback to her colorful youth era in her preteens and teens, Siwa says that is what she liked to wear, and it was all her doing. At an early age, she mainly produced, filmed, and edited that kid-like content independently.

“Yes, I look 11, but the job that I am doing while wearing this is what 30-year-olds [are] doing,” said Siwa in the podcast. Noting that she has always been driven and hardworking, Siwa never cared about looking young because her work aged her.

Despite how youthfulness worked for her, the style she showed the public needed to change as she grew older. So, around 2020/21, the rebranding began. It was time for Siwa to grow up.

One of the first things she did to start showing people her adult self was coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately, this led to criticism from parents who previously allowed their kids to be Siwa stans.

Nonetheless, Siwa persevered and never let the hate get to her. Now, she publicly shares her girlfriends online and posts her opinions uncaringly.

All in all, Siwa is doing her best as she comes into adulthood, and while it may not be understood or accepted by all, she is happy with where she is. By releasing the childhood identity she had attached to her, many new doors will open for the celebrity. And at the end of the day, people talking about her, good or bad, will always bring a check home.

Strike Out,

Kendall Ann Clark

Boca Raton

Kendall Ann Clark is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca Raton. This 21-year-old girl is young and learning how to live. When she isn't writing or working at a local coffee shop, you can find Ken at the beach, reading, swimming, surfing, or at OBs. Follow Kendall on Instagram @kendallannwrites or connect with her through email kendallannclark@fau.edu

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