Karma's a WHAT?!?

Back in 2014, Jojo Siwa was popular with one specific audience. At nine years old she appeared on the reality TV show “Dance Moms”, a kids dancing competition judged by Abby Lee Miller. She rocked tight ponytails, with pink bows bigger than her face, and outfits in rainbow pastels. Starting in 2015, she began releasing her own songs, including “BOOMERANG” and “Kid In A Candy Store”, which were popular with younger kids. Simultaneously, she became a star on the Nickelodeon network. While her style shifted as she grew, with her iconic bow appearing less and less frequently, her outfits were still full of bright colors and sparkles. However, at age 20, her internet presence took an abrupt turn.

Jojo came out with her song “Karma” on April 5th, 2024. Prior to its release, her social media exploded with marketing. She displayed dark, alternative outfits and makeup, a direct contrast to her previous pink pastel looks. She revealed sneak peaks of the lyrics and music video, including clips of a completely original dance she created for the song, consisting mostly of stomping and shaking her fists around. Her new look shocked the internet, and gathered troves of hate. But something she did must have been effective, because when the music video came out on Youtube, it gathered more than 50 million views. 

The "Karma" music video presents a striking contrast to her typically wholesome image, featuring a dark beach setting that enhances its edgy theme. The visuals are complemented by dancers performing on a yacht, creating a dynamic atmosphere. The opening lyrics, "I was a bad girl, I did some bad things," add a humorous twist, as they have sparked confusion among social media users who are accustomed to Siwa's goody two shoes persona. Siwa's choreography is sharp and dynamic, reflecting a newfound maturity in her artistic expression. The overall production combines elements of pop and contemporary dance, showcasing her versatility while delivering a powerful message about becoming more mature.

There were rumors that Jojo stole and remade Karma from a singer named Brit Smith. While it was true that Smith came up with the original version of the song in 2010, Jojo currently has the rights to it. Smith released her own version soon after Karma’s release, which actually did better on the charts. 

Following “Karma”, Jojo continued to release songs all throughout 2024, and as of now has even more coming. 

Siwa's "Guilty Pleasure" music video showcases a notable level of maturity, diverging from her earlier works. The video features striking elements, such as her construction vest, which draws attention and sparks conversation. Additionally, her dance performance is characterized by an even greater energy than that seen in "Karma," further emphasizing her growth as a dancer.

 "Choose Your Fighter" by JoJo Siwa initially received widespread acclaim from fans; however, the enthusiasm diminished upon the revelation that it was not an original work by her. This led to significant controversy surrounding her involvement in the songwriting process, as the track was originally created by the artist Emeline.

The lyrics of JoJo Siwa's 2024 song "Iced Coffee" feature playful and suggestive lines, such as "Love the way you grindin' my bean. Somethin' 'bout you turn me into a fein. Got me feelin' brand new, got me goin' full steam. Know we're cool, baby, I ain't spillin' no tea, uh." These lyrics have elicited mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing discomfort while others commend JoJo for her improved choreography, which they find more acceptable.

Jojo Siwa has become an enigma of the internet. Her switch was so sudden that it gave fans whiplash. The main question being asked is: Why was her transition to adulthood handled in such an absurd way? In an interview with Alexandra Cooper on her podcast, Jojo states, “When I was eight is when Miley had her bangers moment, and I was like, all I want is to have that one day. Like I want that.” Miley Cyrus played the main character in the show “Hannah Montanah”, similar to Jojo’s experience on “Dance Moms”. Miley also attempted a rebrand as she entered adulthood, transitioning from child-centered marketing to more adult media. However, while Miley’s change was more gradual and overall successful in maturing her image, Jojo’s was pretty abrupt. She changed her public image, sure; Talk of her now is all about her new look and her new songs, rarely of her childhood presence. But it was likely not in the way she had intended. Jojo doesn’t look more mature, so much as she just looks dramatic, and even a bit silly. While she might not have come back like a boomerang, the self-proclaimed “Inventor of Gay Pop” is still more relevant than ever before.