How Did JoJo Siwa Rise to Fame? — Here’s Everything We Know
Photo by Steven Simione/Getty Images Reading Time: 3 minutes
Since she was two years old, Joelle Joanie “JoJo” Siwa knew she wanted to dance. Siwa kicked off her career when she joined Dance Moms spin off Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition at 9 years old. From there, she became unstoppable. From being a sweet kid to becoming a charismatic icon, Siwa’s journey didn’t only comprise charm but also perseverance.
JoJo Siwa was a Dance Moms Standout
After coming in fifth place in the spinoff, Siwa navigated two-seasons on Dance Moms. During this time, Siwa became known for her bold and compelling exchanges with coach Abby Lee Miller. In 2015, she widened her reach and established a YouTube channel, earning millions of followers.
A year later, she launched her music career with her first single, “Boomerang.” The song’s music video went on to gain 900 million views and would go platinum.
It must be noted that Siwa’s signature huge and bright-colored bows made the dancer a fashion icon. In 2016, the reality star collaborated with Claire’s and sold bow hair clips. That same year, she was able to sell 60 million bows, signifying her fashion influence.
She Signed an “Overall Talent Deal” With Nickelodeon
Taking her career to another level, Siwa signed onto the Nickelodeon family for an “overall talent deal” with the network. This led to various appearances on several TV specials and guest appearances on television shows. Aside from that, Siwa launched her own doll, a line of slime, a clothing line called JoJo’s Closet, a beverage called JoJo’s Juice, and more.
During this time, she guest-starred on shows like The Thundermans and School of Rock. Furthermore, Siwas voiced herself in the Web series, The JoJo & BowBow Show Show and a character in The Angry Birds Movie 2.
Years later, she moved to California and even became friends with Kim Kardashian and her daughter North. In 2020, Siwa was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020. According to Kardashian’s essay about her, Siwa is “a ray of sunshine in a world that seems scary right now.”
The “Boomerang” hitmaker continued to rise in television, getting revealed as the T. Rex on The Masked Singer. Following her time on the tv show, she continued her 70-city D.R.E.A.M. Tour.
Siwa Came Out as Part of the Queer Community
Siwa’s growth and authenticity never ended. The 17-year-old decided to ditch her iconic pony and opted for a natural look. In early 2021, she came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community as she posted a TikTok lip syncing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”
“No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track baby, I was born to survive,” Siwa sang.
After her brave move, fans began congratulating The Masked Singer alum. Siwa also became clearly more comfortable with her gender expression, showing off a new T-shirt reading “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever,” on Twitter.
In August 2021, Siwa joined the cast of Dancing With The Stars season 30, making history as the first ever female contestant to be paired with a female pro. The Dance Moms alum impressively made it to the finals, coming in second place.
The reality star is even more expressive and active at 19, making more adult fashion choices. Chopping her hair, Siwa’s fashion style became more ladylike. She then snatched a judging gig on So You Think You Can Dance and even scored appearances in some films. Now, she is on Special Forces: World Toughest Test.
