JoJo Siwa is taking a new route with her image as she embarks on her music career. The 20-year-old former child star released her latest single, "Karma," along with an explosive music video earlier today April 5).
From donning colorful rainbow ribbons to a black outfit inspired by KISS, Siwa explains that she's not taking cues from female pop stars but from the people who came before them.
JoJo Siwa Explains New Image, Music Inspiration
As Siwa launches her music career, she told Entertainment Tonight that she's taking cues from older artists rather than current artists like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. This is in response to the publication's question whether she was inspired by Swift's "Reputation" era and Cyrus.
"I look at some of the generations above them. Michael Jackson, Prince, Elton, Bowie, and of course, Gaga. Elvis was the first to not be afraid to be different, to not be afraid to be out there, to not be afraid to take a risk!" she revealed.
Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift may have had bad girl eras, but @itsjojosiwa took inspiration from David Bowie, Lady Gaga and Elvis for her 'KARMA' rebrand. pic.twitter.com/ylGcdMKkDE
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 5, 2024
She also cited the scrutiny that the late Freddie Mercury received from wearing whatever he wanted onstage as an example of the boundary-pushing behavior she seeks to channel in her new era.
When the interviewer told her that she gives off a "sexy glam Gene Simmons sex creature" in her viral black outfit, Siwa revealed that she had received plenty of messages making references that she doesn't even understand.
READ ALSO: Gene Simmons Defends JoJo Siwa's KISS-Inspired Makeover
JoJo Siwa Wants to Mature from the Public Eye
Siwa got her big breakthrough in the entertainment industry on the TV show Dance Moms. Since then, she has gained a huge following from children and young people. In 2017 and 2018, she was hailed at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards as the Favorite Viral Music Artist and Favorite Musical YouTube Creator.
The "Boomerang" singer also revealed to Entertainment Tonight that it has been especially difficult to mature in the public eye, given that her previous image was very different rom what she wants to do now.
"It's been something that we've tried to figure out the best way to navigate," she confessed. "I do have such a young fan base, and I do have a lot of kids that look at JoJo Siwa and still follow my music from years ago. However, you know, I'm not the same that I was when I was 14."
Listen to Siwa's new single, "Karma."
READ ALSO: JoJo Siwa Attempts a Rebrand on New Single' Karma'
