Joanna ‘JoJo’ Levesque is reflecting on her early career as she shared an endearing video from her past performance on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. The clip features a young JoJo, only 10 years old at the time, showcasing her talent by singing Whitney Houston’s “I Believe In You and Me”. The performance, which aired in 2000, has garnered renewed attention as the 35-year-old singer revisits the special moment.
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In an Instagram Reel shared on July 14, JoJo expressed her delight at seeing herself in the old footage. She remarked on how her early influences are perceptible in the performance, noting her admiration for iconic artists such as Christina Aguilera, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston. These legends have played a significant role in shaping her unique musical style.
JoJo reminisced about her experience leading up to that performance, stating, “I think that performance is so freaking funny and cute and sweet. We had taken the bus from Boston to New York. It was one of my first big times on TV, so I could feel the excitement coursing through my body because I just love the music so much. Any chance that I got to sing, I would sing.”
Her Instagram post, alongside the video, included a humorous caption revealing her youthful appearance, complete with “two butterfly clips” and a dress that combined elements of childhood and maturity. She also recalled the effort her mother, Diana, made to support her dream by taking time off work to accompany her on this memorable trip. JoJo stated, “I’m dying!” emphasizing the nostalgia and warmth she feels toward the memory.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, JoJo discussed her connection with fellow artist Demi Lovato, hinting at their friendship that dates back to their childhoods. She revealed that Lovato invited her to perform during the New York City stop of Lovato’s It’s Not That Deep Tour on April 24, 2023. JoJo spoke warmly of their rapport, saying, “We’ve known each other since we were kids. So she hit me up.”
Their collaborative history extends beyond this visit; JoJo fondly recalled their shared musical moments, including a track titled “Lonely Hearts” from one of her old albums. “We’ve done Christmas stuff together,” JoJo explained, highlighting the enduring nature of their friendship as they offer mutual support in their careers.
Reflecting on her recent performance with Lovato, JoJo expressed joy at singing a duet of her own song, a rare opportunity for her, as many of her hits are typically solo numbers. She remarked, “I don’t get to sing any of my big songs with people because they’re not typically duets, but I have even more fun singing them with other people because they were a part of our childhoods.”
JoJo’s enthusiasm for performing alongside Lovato illustrated a beautiful moment of connection, not just for themselves, but also for those in the audience. She noted the shared sentiment among fans, recalling the excitement in their eyes when they sang together. “I see the excitement, you know, in people’s eyes when they’re like, ‘I grew up singing the song,’ and I’m like, ‘Me too.’ You know? It’s a nice moment.”
Ultimately, JoJo’s reflections on her past performance serve as a testament to the journey she has taken as an artist. From her childhood dreams to her current status, she has remained grateful for the opportunities that music has afforded her, as well as the friendships that have blossomed along the way. As she navigates her career, JoJo continues to embrace her influences while celebrating her growth as an artist and a person.