The American actress and singer Jojo is said to be one of the most iconic celebrities to ever participate in the hit singing competition “The Masked Singer,” with her disguising as Black Swan during season 5 of the show.
Jojo’s performance of Black Swan struck many, as it was something that no one expected Jojo would try to imitate. Even Jojo didn’t expect she would make it that far in the competition.
In an interview, Jojo stated she had no expectations of even making it past the first episode since she had a gut feeling about getting eliminated along the way. However, it seems like fate has some other things in store for Jojo, as her prediction turned the other way around.
Why Did Jojo Consider Joining the Show?
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Since her Black Swan performance has become iconic to many, her fans started wondering what inspired Jojo for her performance. As it turns out, Jojo’s celebrity friend, Tori Kelly, is the one who pushed her to perform as Black Swan to help her friend overcome her stage fright.
Although Jojo has performed for a large audience before, considering the nature of her work, performing in front of millions of people watching in their homes somehow causes Jojo to feel nervous.
That’s why Jojo has noticed that her mental health has drastically improved since her performance as the Black Swan aired. In an interview, Jojo stated that her performance on the show had given her the confidence to step out of her comfort zone, which she had done before when she was still a little kid.
According to reports, Jojo was a former child star known for showing off her carefree attitude. That’s why her performance as the black swan has become so dear to her heart, as she felt so accomplished and proud of herself, and it gave her so much light and joy.
Jojo even added that she truly doesn’t think she would be in her current mental state had it not been for her saying ‘yes’ to The Masked Singer.
So, if you want to know more about Jojo’s journey on the show, scroll down as we got everything covered for you!
Who Is Jojo from “The Masked Singer”?
in my blood performance by black swan is still my favourite, i get chills every time, like she served lows, she served belts, she served EVERYTHING
— jim (@toraayiii) May 3, 2021
jojo better win masked singer or i will RlOT pic.twitter.com/KFMR4yHukw
Joanna Noëlle Levesque, commonly known as Jojo, is an American singer and actress whose music has landed on so many charts. Her debut song, “Leave (Get Out),” landed at the top of the US Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart in 2004. It made Jojo the youngest pop singer to ever land on the chart, reaching the top at age 13.
Jojo’s Rise to Fame
Reports say Jojo has gained popularity after joining various singing competitions like America’s Most Talented Kid. Although she lost to fellow contestant Diana DeGarmo, the known record producer Vincent Herbert saw potential in her. So, he asked her to audition for “Blackground Records,” which eventually signed Jojo and was the reason she was able to release her debut single “Leave (Get Out).”
Over the coming years, Jojo has continually grown her listeners, releasing full albums back to back with her songs consistently landing charts. However, despite performing in front of thousands during her music shows, Jojo has honestly revealed that she has not overcome her fear of stage fright.
Jojo’s Stage Fright
Jojo has been trying to overcome the stage fright that she developed even before the pandemic. It was a problem that got worse when she couldn’t perform live due to quarantine. That’s why when she heard about the show “The Masked Singer,” Jojo immediately signed up for it, excited about the opportunity to be on a stage and sing again.
Despite her struggles with anxiety and self-doubt before going on the show, many have admired her determination to pursue her passion for singing.
Jojo’s Iconic Black Swan Costume
JoJo como Black Swan no programa The Masked Singer ❤️ #JoJo #TheMaskedSinger pic.twitter.com/2d0HwWrv2D
— JoJo Brasil | Fan Account (@JoJo_Brazil) May 31, 2021
Many wondered why JoJo chose to disguise herself as the Black Swan during her performance. So, in an interview, she revealed that it was her friend Tori Kelly, who was also part of the show disguised as the “Seahorse,” who pushed her to go with the said costume no matter what.
With that said, it seems like Tori Kelly’s success as a singer and her experiences with stage fright inspired JoJo to take the leap and go on the show to face her fears.
Challenges JoJo Faced Along the Way
Although it may seem like JoJo had quite a blissful experience during her time on the show, the Masked Singer journey actually didn’t come without any challenges. Aside from overcoming her stage fright, her fear of tight spaces has also challenged the singer as she sings under a bulky costume.
Despite that, JoJo revealed that she is still grateful she didn’t let her insecurities stop her. With her head held up high, JoJo faced her fear.
Despite the stage fright and feeling like she didn’t know how to breathe in her massive costume, the singer thought of only the positive things she would gain after all the challenges she faced during the show.
In the end, JoJo won season 5, placing 2nd to Nick Lachey, who won first performing as “Piglet”.
More of JoJo in The Future
In an interview after the show, JoJo revealed that she will release more music in the coming years. Aside from that, she is also eyeing to act more in the future, as it is one aspect she has missed doing.
With that said, it is safe to say that after performing as Black Swan in the hit singing competition “The Masked Singer,” JoJo’s bravery in facing her fears and pursuing her passion has become an inspiration to others who may be struggling with anxiety or self-doubt to face their fears as well.