JoJo Siwa’s colorful personality and trademark hair bows have catapulted this teen sensation back into the news cycle. Now she’s bringing all the fun home from Celebrity Big Brother! Joelle Joanie Siwa was raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Now, at just 20 years old, she has made the leap from dance prodigy to one of the most influential figures in entertainment and social media. From breaking hearts to inspiring women—facing the trials and tribulations of fame, personal growth, and love—she’s taken us along on her journey.
Siwa’s ascent to fame started earlier than most. She was just nine years old when she was selected from an open casting call to appear on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition in 2013. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was just the start of her impressive, ground-breaking career in the entertainment world. Her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, also a dance instructor, was instrumental in fostering JoJo’s talents. Support came from her father, Tom Siwa, a chiropractor, whose own practice was predicated on positive reinforcement.
By 11, JoJo Siwa was a household name, known for her big, colorful personality and trademark big hair bows. In 2015, she became a household name when she appeared on two seasons of Dance Moms. By the time she turned 15, Siwa had amassed an impressive five million YouTube subscribers and signed a lucrative deal with Nickelodeon. She described this experience saying, “I was running a billion-dollar business. That’s something that should never be on a 15-year-old’s shoulders – but at the time, it was my normal.”
In 2016, JoJo Siwa released her debut single, “Boomerang,” which went platinum and solidified her status as a music artist. Her on-trend hair accessory business was equally as off the charts successful, adding to her bubbling empire. What an extraordinary impact. By 2023, she had grown her audience on YouTube to 12 million subscribers.
Siwa’s journey took a significant turn when she came out as queer by lip-syncing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” on TikTok at the age of 17. This moment struck a chord with people everywhere, receiving a huge round of applause from fans and celebrities of every kind. One of those who called to congratulate her was music legend Elton John.
Looking back on her own coming-out journey, JoJo opened up about what she went through. “I think the hardest thing was feeling like you weren’t in control of yourself,” she stated. Despite these hurdles, she embraced her identity and articulated that being queer “best encompasses how I am, and who I am.”
Most recently, JoJo Siwa lit up the screen on Celebrity Big Brother, showcasing that iconic, big, bold, beautiful JoJo energy once again. She ended up placing fifth in the event, but not without leaving a huge impression. Siwa expressed her enthusiasm during her time on the show, saying, “Some rat doesn’t get to ruin this for me … It’s only day two.” Her iron will to stay in the moment and savor the thrill was clear.
While inside the house, Siwa realized she was falling for another contestant. She described their connection as “not platonic anymore,” emphasizing the beauty of their relationship: “It’s been a beautiful development, a beautiful connection, and I’m absolutely head over heels for him and he’s the same way.” This unexpected twist creates an emotional and dramatic new story arc to follow as she pursues her passion both on and off the screen.
JoJo opened up about the reality behind being in the public eye and the influence it had on her path. “You’re never gonna know the full truth – and I can’t be bothered to fill anybody in,” she noted, indicating her desire for privacy amidst her fame.
Siwa is still growing and changing, both personally and professionally. She is grateful for the plastic learning experiences that have continued to shape her identity these last ten years. “It’s been a decade of learning, you know what I mean? It’s really all I know,” she remarked.