Whether someone is a lover or a hater, there is no denying the international impact JoJo Siwa has had on this generation. She has created a brand full of acceptance, self-love and positivity. Not only does she speak as an open member of the LGBTQ+ community, but she inspires many to toss the opinions of others out the window.
Within the past year, Siwa’s fan base skyrocketed when she came out to the world. Those who used to criticize her for the way she dressed or acted suddenly became fans because they began to understand her as a real individual, not a character. Just this year she was a part of the first same-sex couple featured on “Dancing with the Stars,” a show that has always had male and female couples.
It was a shock to many locals when the Nickelodeon star announced that her tour would be making a stop in the Quad Cities. The Taxslayer Center was the home to D.R.E.A.M. The Tour with an audience of over 9,000 people. The excitement was unimaginable for those who attended.
Before the show even began, her fans made their eagerness clear with their outfits, glow sticks and cheers. However, nothing compared to the screams when she rolled onstage in her wheeled high-top sneakers to kick off the show with her song “Worldwide Party.”
Senior Callista Hawbaker attended Siwa’s concert as a last-minute event but has no regrets. “I was so excited before the show even began, but when she showed up on stage my heart stopped,” she expressed. “My friends and I were screaming and dancing the entire night!”
Unlike traditional concerts that only show the main act, Siwa brought along the winners from her and her mother’s show “Siwa Dance Pop Revolution,” the tween music group, XOMG Pop, to debut their talent to the world. Some would say these girls are almost Siwa’s “mini-mes” with their unstoppable energy. The girls came out on stage with high ponies, colorful bows and kept the audience wanting more. The group has joined Siwa on her tour across the nation and has been able to sing to crowds of over 15,000 fans – a dream of many young singers.
It is no secret how influential Siwa is on children, but many overlook her impact on older generations, as well. Looking over the crowd and the lines full of people waiting to get in, there was a clear difference in age but not a single divide in enthusiasm.
Senior James McCune is one of the many that have changed their thoughts on JoJo as time has gone on. “JoJo has built her image through various platforms, but her message has always remained the same: being a positive role model for kids of any age,” he described. “She is so positive, but also relates to teenagers and adults, which is not consistent with what people thought years ago. She has stayed the same, but our opinions of her have shifted.”
As many expected, Siwa’s outfits were extravagant and matched her every song. Her wardrobe featured five different outfits that created a visually appealing show and constantly kept the audience engaged. With every outfit came a new style; she rocked bright rompers, shiny dresses and sparkly crop tops with shorts, all of which were stylish and easy to perform in.
Throughout the entire concert, there was not a single moment where one would rather sit than stand. Every song was upbeat with a positive and inspiring message. Looking around the Taxslayer Center and seeing the faces of every child during her hit song, “Every Girl’s a Super Girl,” it became clear that her songs are more than just catchy – they are life-changing.
Her songs are not only for her fans, but also feature songs that appeal to everyone. For example, her hit song “Back To That Girl” is about how her career has started and where she wants to go. While Siwa was singing, there was a slideshow presenting photos of the young star as she got her start from “Dance Moms” to where she is today. She expressed to the audience that she is beyond grateful for the ability to create a name for herself and that even though it was a hard beginning, she would not change it for the world.
Easily the most meaningful part of the show was when Siwa took the time to discuss her sexuality. She talked about how she struggled with whether or not she should come out to the world and what it would mean for her. She decided to come out for herself because if she did not, she would not be her true self – she would be someone else. When she came out, she positively influenced those who are afraid of being who they are.
Senior Harper Clark was greatly inspired by the courage Siwa had to discuss her identity. “She is teaching kids the importance of acceptance and that it is okay to be who you are,” she explained. “Yes, she is gay, but that does not make her any less worthy. Siwa wants her fans to know that who they are is more than okay.”
Without a doubt, Siwa changed the lives of so many people through her concert and through being herself. Her positivity has led to constant smiles and unmatched memories as she continues to leave a positive impact on those across the world.
Makena Richards • Feb 17, 2022 at 2:17 pm
This article was very good. I love how you shared more about JoJo than just her singing. The importance of her coming out was interesting to read because I didn’t realize how big of an impact it had on people throughout the world. The descriptions of the songs she sang and the outfits she wore made me feel like I was at the concert. I also like how there was a wide age range of people that went to the Tax Slayer Center to see her. It shows how her audience isn’t just little kids like many people assume.