JoJo Siwa came under fire after saying she wants to create a new music genre called ‘gay pop.’
The Dance Moms alum, 20, 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 participates in a lesbian game.
“When I first signed with Columbia, I said I wanted to start a new genre of music,” he said. 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 reaction was swift, as online commentators claimed that the genre already existed, and one fan exchange“That’s literally been around longer than she’s been alive,”
Another 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, it’s really so disrespectful and dismissive of all the queer people in music that came before her.”
JoJo Siwa came under fire after saying she wants to create a new music genre called ‘gay pop’; seen in april
The Dance Moms alum, 20, 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 participates in a lesbian game.
Some critics listed a slew of pop stars who have identified as LGBTQ+ over the decades, including Hayley Kiyoko, Dove Cameron, Frank Ocean, RuPaul, Kali Uchis, Ayesha Erotica, David Bowie, Boy George, and Tegan and Sara .
another simply aware“She’s winning the embarrassing contest.”
During the Billboard interview, JoJo further explained her idea of gay pop, 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 jazz shoes. It’s kind of a middle ground. I feel like that’s the world of music.’
He 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 Katy Perry California Gurls, but Lady Gaga Judas,” he added.
The singer, who rose to fame as a child star on Dance Moms, concluded: “I have a vision, I always have. I know what I want to be. I know where I want to go. I know the level, I know the crazy. I know what I want make the world believe.’
The backlash continued online, as one posted: “This is what happens when you tell a kid they’re great at everything and you never criticize them for anything, you get this.”
Another commented: ‘That girl’s audacity is something.’
“When I first signed with Columbia, I said I wanted to start a new genre of music,” he 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 reaction was swift, as online commentators claimed that such a genre 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 large number of products that bear his image.
Last week, JoJo departed definitively from her child star image with her first adult single, Karma, which explores mature themes distinct from her previous music.
In the Karma video, the star enjoyed some wild lesbian play with another woman while wearing her signature KISS-inspired catsuit and theatrical makeup.
While singing about being “wild,” JoJo, who was recently spotted visiting a sex shop after ditching her family image amid a major rebrand, was also photographed getting licked by another woman.
On Thursday he spoke about the new single, telling Eastern Time“Karma, to me, is something you do to yourself.” That may be good, that may be bad, but you will always get it.’
‘There are actually quite a few different meanings in the song. Part of this has to do with life and the decisions you make. Part of this is about things people have done to me. Some of this might even be due to things I’ve done to people.
He described the release of the single as the pinnacle of his career, but also admitted that navigating the public’s attention while growing and maturing has not been without its challenges.
JoJo initially rose to fame as a young performer on the reality show Dance Moms, and subsequently amassed a large following through her YouTube content and Nickelodeon projects.
“It’s been something we’ve tried to find the best way to navigate,” he shared.
Some critics listed a slew of pop stars who have identified as LGBTQ+ over the decades, including Hayley Kiyoko, Dove Cameron, Frank Ocean, RuPaul, Kali Uchis, Ayesha Erotica, David Bowie, Boy George, and Tegan and Sara .
Queer pop star Hayley Kiyoko grew up in many of the claps, photographed in 2023.
The musical duo Tegan and Sara were also mentioned as gay pop icons; photographed in march
“It’s that world of music where it’s not necessarily pop, it’s not Katy Perry California Gurls, it’s Lady Gaga Judas,” JoJo added in her interview with Billboard.
Last week, JoJo departed definitively from her child star image with her first adult single, Karma, which explores mature themes distinct from her previous music.
‘I have a very young fan base and I have a lot of kids who watch JoJo Siwa and still follow my music from years ago. However, you know, I’m not the same as I was when I was 14 years old.
‘That can continue to live and people can get to know that human being. But this one is now 20 years old, 21 years old, here to have a good time. [JoJo]. Let’s be honest, let’s be realistic. Let’s make some art,’ he said.
He also talked about his influences for being “different.” ‘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 risks. I mean, the shit Freddie Mercury used to wear on stage… you’d be like, what?’
‘I think now people are afraid of being different and… we are all different. We are all weird. We’re all a little screwed. And I think it’s good to show it.”