Joelle Joanie “JoJo” Siwa (born May 19, 2003) is an American dancer, singer, actress, internet personality, and entrepreneur. She rose to fame after starring in two seasons of the reality TV show Dance Moms. Siwa built a massive following among young audiences and expanded into music, YouTube content, touring, and merchandise, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in children’s entertainment.

Siwa became a prominent voice for young queer people after coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021. She has used her platform to advocate for acceptance by being transparent about her relationships and identity. As she moved from creating only kid-focused content to engaging with a wider, more adult audience, her honesty made a turning point in her career.

Siwa stated in 2024 that they were adopting a more mature artistic direction, consciously moving toward an adult-oriented music style. Her goal to reimagine her brand beyond her previous wholesome image was indicated by songs like “Karma,” which featured explicit lyrics and edgy choreography. The song went viral on social media platforms like TikTok, sparking widespread controversy, with many users criticizing her new direction as “cringe” and questioning the authenticity of her rebrand, as Siwa received hatred for releasing “Choose UR Fighter,” with many people claiming that she had a lack of originality.