JoJo Siwa was called out after saying she wants to create a new genre of music called ‘gay pop.’
The 20-year-old Dance Moms alum — who came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in January 2021 — made the comment while discussing her new sexually-charged music video for Karma, in which she engages in a lesbian romp.
‘When I first signed with Columbia, I said I wanted to start a new genre of music,’ she told Billboard on Saturday. ‘They said, “What do you mean?”, and I said, “It’s called ‘gay pop’. It’s like K-pop but it’s gay pop.”‘
The backlash was swift, as online commentators claimed that such a genre has already existed, with one fan sharing, ‘That’s literally been around for longer than she’s been alive,’
Another X user wrote, ‘Jojo siwa saying she wants to create a new genre of music called ‘gay pop’ is the most ignorant thing on planet earth, like, genuinely so disrespectful and dismissive of every queer person in music who came before her.’
JoJo Siwa was called out after saying she wants to create a new genre of music called ‘gay pop’; seen in April
The 20-year-old Dance Moms alum — who came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in January 2021 — made the comment while discussing her new sexually-charged music video for Karma , in which she engages in a lesbian romp
Some critics listed a slew of pop stars that have identified as LGBTQ+ over the decades, like Hayley Kiyoko, Dove Cameron, Frank Ocean, RuPaul, Kali Uchis, Ayesha Erotica, David Bowie, Boy George, and Tegan and Sara.
Another simply posted, ‘She is winning the cringy contest.’
During the Billboard interview, JoJo explained her idea of gay pop further, saying, ‘There’s a style of dance called jazz funk. It’s jazz, it’s hip-hop, they have a baby, it’s called jazz funk. You can wear sneakers or you can wear jazz shoes. It’s kind of in between. I feel like that is this world of music.’
She then compared Karma to hits like Lady Gaga’s Applause’ and Miley Cyrus’ Cant Be Tamed.
‘It’s that world of music where it’s not necessarily pop, it’s not giving you Katy Perry California Gurls, it’s giving you Lady Gaga Judas,’ she added.
The singer, who rose to fame as a child star on Dance Moms, concluded: ‘I have a vision, I’ve always had it. I know what I wanna be. I know where I wanna go. I know the level, I know the craziness. I know what I want to make the world believe.’
The backlash continued online, as one posted, ‘This is what happens when you tell a child that they’re great at everything and never criticize them on stuff, you get this.’
Another commented, ‘The audacity of that girl is something.’
‘When I first signed with Columbia, I said I wanted to start a new genre of music,’ she told Billboard on Saturday. ‘They said, “What do you mean?”, and I said, “It’s called ‘gay pop’. It’s like K-pop but it’s gay pop.”‘
The backlash was swift, as online commentators claimed that such a genre has already existed
Over the past month, JoJo, has been hinting at new music and her transition into adult pop stardom, after rising to fame with children’s music and a plethora of merchandise bearing her likeness.
Last week, JoJo made a definitive departure from her child star image with her debut adult single Karma, which explores mature themes distinct from her earlier music.
In the video for Karma, the star enjoyed a wild lesbian romp with another woman while wearing her signature KISS inspired catsuit and theatrical makeup.
As she sang about being ‘wild’, JoJo — who was recently seen visiting a sex shop after ditching her family-friendly image amid major rebrand — was also pictured being licked by another woman.
On Thursday she talked about the new single, telling ET, ‘Karma, to me, is something that you do to yourself. That can be good, that can be bad, but you’re always gonna get it.’
‘There’s actually quite a few different meanings in the song. Part of it’s about life and choices you make. Part of it is about things that people have done to me. Part of it might even be about things that I’ve done to people.’
She described the release of the single as the pinnacle of her career, yet also admitted that navigating the public eye while growing up and maturing hasn’t been without its challenges.
JoJo initially rose to prominence as a young performer on the reality TV show Dance Moms, subsequently amassing a vast following through her YouTube content and Nickelodeon projects.
Some critics listed a slew of pop stars that have identified as LGBTQ+ over the decades, like Hayley Kiyoko, Dove Cameron , Frank Ocean , RuPaul, Kali Uchis, Ayesha Erotica, David Bowie , Boy George , and Tegan and Sara
Queer pop star Hayley Kiyoko was brought up in many of the clap backs, pictured in 2023
Musical duo Tegan and Sara were also mentioned as gay pop icons; pictured in March
‘It’s been something that we’ve tried to figure out the best way to navigate,’ she shared.
‘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.’
‘That can live on and people can know that human. But this now is 20-year-old, 21-year-old, here for a good time [JoJo]. Let’s be honest, let’s be real. Let’s make some art,’ she said.
She also discussed her influences for being ‘different.’ ‘Elvis was the first to be not be afraid to be different, to not be afraid to be out there, to not be afraid to take a risk. I mean, the s**t Freddie Mercury used to wear onstage — you would be like, what?’
‘I think now, people are afraid to be different and… we’re all different. We’re all weird. We’re all a little f****d up. And I think that’s OK to show that.’
‘It’s that world of music where it’s not necessarily pop, it’s not giving you Katy Perry California Gurls, it’s giving you Lady Gaga Judas,’ JoJo added in her Billboard interview
Last week, JoJo made a definitive departure from her child star image with her debut adult single Karma, which explores mature themes distinct from her earlier music
Siwa’s latest comments about creating a new genre of music comes shortly after she recently revealed the $50,000 cosmetic procedure she underwent.
During an appearance at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards last month in March, the star told Buzzfeed that she had spent $50k on her ‘teeth.’
‘These motherf***ers cost me 50 grand,’ she informed the publication, referencing to her veneers.
Earlier last year, the dancer revealed that she had gotten the pricy veneers during a livestream and said her teeth looked very white because she ‘picked out the whitest color.’