Sophia Michaels
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Joanna “JoJo” Levesque became a household name as a young artist known for her catchy tracks like “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little Too Late.” However, her journey began long before that, showcasing her singing talent as a child. She has efficiently blended contributions in music, theater, and film, establishing a diverse career in entertainment.
Despite her impressive achievements, JoJo admits that navigating fame has been challenging. In an interview, she expressed her current mindset, stating, “It’s still a journey, because I have a lot of unlearning to do.” She reflected on the evolution of her goals, emphasizing her desire for a fulfilling life over mere fame. This article explores JoJo’s transformation from a young star to a multifaceted artist and author.
Joanna ‘JoJo’ Levesque’s Musical Roots
From a young age, JoJo was influenced by her musical heritage, as both parents were singers across various genres. She recalls beginning to sing nursery rhymes at just 2 years old, infusing them with her own unique style. JoJo stepped into the spotlight early, showcasing her talent on “America’s Most Talented Kid,” where she impressed producer Vincent Herbert and even caught the eye of Britney Spears.
During a backstage moment with Spears, JoJo impressed her by singing, which led to receiving a card for a potential future collaboration. Although the opportunity didn’t materialize, it marked the beginning of her journey toward success.
JoJo’s Early Music Career
JoJo took significant strides in her music career by signing to Blackground Records at just 12 years old. Her self-titled debut album was released in 2004, featuring chart-topping singles like “Leave (Get Out),” which became a major hit, solidifying her position as the youngest solo artist to achieve a number one on the Billboard charts.
Her relatability to young audiences helped her bond with fans, as JoJo addressed real-life topics in her music. Following the album’s success, she embarked on extensive promotional tours, including opening for Usher. Despite her fame, JoJo maintained a strong work ethic and a vision for growth, stating, “I think that as you grow and your audience grows, you change and evolve.”
Acting Ventures in the Mid-2000s
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As her music career flourished, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque transitioned into acting, teaming up with Hollywood stars. In 2006, she featured in the family comedy “Aquamarine,” sharing the screen with Emma Roberts and Sara Paxton. Although she had some acting experience, this role helped her expand her talents in film. “Everyone was wonderful to collaborate with,” she remarked in an interview with MTV. “We were discovering things about one another and exploring the film industry together.”
She also took on the role of Robin Williams’ daughter in the 2006 film “RV,” quickly adapting to working alongside an iconic comedian. “He would occasionally improvise, but he always ensured I knew where to enter with my line,” she explained to MovieWeb. “What was remarkable about him was that he would never leave anyone confused about how to proceed.”
JoJo had her best-charting single with her second album
In October 2006, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque dropped her second album, “The High Road,” which included the hit single “Too Little Too Late.” This track peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest position to date. The album also reached number 3 on the Billboard 200, marking a peak for her career. “You can hear the growth and self-assurance in my singing,” she stated to SingerUniverse. “I’m becoming more authentic and at ease with myself.”
While her professional journey advanced, JoJo’s personal life was also evolving. At this time, she was in a relationship with young soccer star Freddy Adu. “It felt so intense, like I couldn’t imagine my life without him,” she shared in her 2024 memoir, “Over the Influence” (via Us Weekly). However, her record label raised concerns regarding their interracial relationship, adding to the challenges she faced with her management team.
JoJo encountered issues with her record label
Following the launch of her second album, JoJo started to push back against her label, Blackground Records, initiating a long battle. “Just months after I signed, I heard spine-chilling stories from other artists previously signed with them,” she disclosed to Vulture in 2015. “It was my first hint that things weren’t as they’d been portrayed.”
When it was time to release her third album, the artist faced years of obstacles as her label struggled with distribution, impeding her new music from being published. JoJo attempted to terminate her contract legally in 2009, spending nearly seven years fighting to break free from an agreement she signed as a minor.
Supporters rallied behind the #FreeJoJo movement online, but it wasn’t until 2014 that she successfully extricated herself from her contract and could finally release her music independently. “I still have an audience that wants to hear from me, which is a rare position to find oneself after such a challenging journey,” she reflected in her article for Vulture.
Levesque kept making music during her legal struggles
Throughout her struggle with Blackground, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque continued to pursue her passion for music by releasing mixtapes and cover tracks independently. In 2010, she put out “Can’t Take That Away From Me,” showcasing new aspects of her musical style. “This mixtape lets me experiment more,” she stated to Rap-Up. “I got to explore a wide range of sounds that inspire me.” JoJo’s 2011 cover of Drake’s “Marvin’s Room” was particularly well-received, even garnering praise from Drake himself.
JoJo continued to release singles and mixtapes until 2015, quenching her fans’ thirst for new music and nurturing her artistic growth. Although she did not replicate her earlier chart success, her supporters were eager for her new releases. “My goal with my music is to remain open and honest,” she expressed.
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Billboard. “Art reflects reality, and that’s what I embrace.”
JoJo Revamped Her Initial Albums Independently
After joining Atlantic Records in 2018, JoJo decided to re-record her first two albums as a way to thank her fans and process her struggles with her earlier record label. At that time, her original albums weren’t accessible on streaming platforms.
She explained to Billboard that she wanted to make the albums available to her fans. “Should I petition for the masters? Is it worthwhile?” she pondered.
According to Levesque, her fans motivated her to undertake this project. “I felt it was misunderstood that I didn’t want people to access those albums,” she shared. “But they are crucial to my legacy, and I’m proud of my work.”
She Discussed Her Mental Health Challenges
Continuously creating music, JoJo later established her own label, Clover Music, under Interscope Records. She openly talked about her mental health in her 2021 album, “Trying Not To Think About It,” which reflected her journey with anxiety.
She shared with People, “I wanted this project to capture my state at that time, hoping it would lead to growth and a fresh outlook.” She noted, “If you’re a millennial battling depression, this will resonate deeply.”
Following the album’s release, JoJo went on a six-date tour and produced vibrant music videos featuring stars like Omarion and Lauren Jauregi. Years later, she confidently discusses her mental health. “I’ve acquired more tools to cope,” she stated in a 2024 interview with People, expressing that her struggles no longer control her life.
JoJo Took Her Talent to Broadway
In 2023, JoJo made a return to acting on Broadway, taking on the role of Satine in “Moulin Rouge! the Musical,” a character originally portrayed by Nicole Kidman in the 2001 film. After thorough preparations, she starred alongside Derek Klena, who played Christian, a role made famous by Ewan McGregor.
Her passion for the film drove her to seize this unique opportunity, merging her love for singing, acting, and performance. “This role perfectly aligns with my artistic journey,” she told Billboard.
Initially, she was set for a 14-week engagement but returned in 2024 for another limited run with Broadway star Aaron Tveit. “When I perform as Satine, I’m entirely invested in my character,” JoJo shared.
Levesque Shared Her Story in a Memoir
JoJo released her memoir, “Over The Influence,” in September 2024, reflecting on her experiences as a young artist and the lessons she learned along the way. The title represents her struggles with both the entertainment industry and her parents’ fights with addiction during her childhood.
She described the memoir writing process as cathartic, aiming to confront her fears about vulnerability. “I needed to dismantle the barriers I placed around myself,” she told Variety.
The memoir encompasses more than her musical experiences; it explores her teenage romance with Freddy Adu, her encounters with sexual assault, addiction, and eating disorders. Through her narrative, she unveiled an honest side of herself previously hidden from fans and the public. “I’ve worked hard for the past decade to heal, and honestly, I have felt like both a victim and a villain at times,” she revealed to Variety.
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