JoJo Siwa is facing criticism after making bold claims about a “new genre of music.” The former Dance Moms star received backlash for her comments during an interview with Billboard, where she discussed her new music video for the song “Karma.” Siwa stated that she wanted to create a genre called “gay pop,” comparing it to K-pop. However, this sparked anger among queer music fans who pointed out that LGBTQ+ influences have long been present in pop music.
Many commenters expressed their frustration with Siwa’s claims, noting that she is out of touch with the rich history of queer representation in music. Some emphasized that “gay pop” has existed for decades, even before Siwa was born. The criticism also highlighted the importance of acknowledging and respecting the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists who paved the way for the genre.
Siwa’s interview also touched on her rebranding process as she transitions away from her kid-friendly image and embraces a more edgy persona. The artist, who will be turning 21 soon, spoke about her desire to explore a different side of herself through her music. She described her new sound as a departure from mainstream pop, drawing inspiration from artists like Lady Gaga and drawing on themes of self-expression.
In response to the backlash, Siwa clarified that she did not mean any disrespect and that her intention was to showcase her personal journey and growth as an artist. She acknowledged that she has a young fan base but emphasized that she is evolving and wants to be authentic to her current self.
While Siwa’s ambition to create a new genre may have sparked controversy, it also serves as an opportunity to recognize the diverse history of queer representation in music. The criticism directed towards Siwa is a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating LGBTQ+ artists who have blazed the trail in the industry.
