JoJo Reclaims Her Voice: A Memoir of Fame at 33

Joanna Levesque, known as JoJo, achieved fame at the young age of 13 with her hit single 'Leave (Get Out).' Despite her initial confusion about the song's lyrics and sound, which did not resonate with her personal experiences, she eventually embraced it. Her memoir, 'Over the Influence,' reflects on her tumultuous journey through childhood stardom, highlighting both the challenges and the support she received from her label team, whom she viewed as family. Levesque's career was marked by significant hurdles, including a lack of control over her music, which led her to re-record her first two albums in 2018 to regain rights. This move was part of a broader trend in the music industry, as seen with other artists like Taylor Swift. She acknowledges the complexities of navigating the music business, where artists often feel pressured to conform to certain standards. As she looks to the future, Levesque expresses optimism about the evolving music landscape, where new artists are gaining more autonomy and challenging traditional norms. She finds it refreshing to witness young female artists like Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish carving their own paths, contrasting with the restrictive environment she faced. Through her memoir, Levesque hopes to inspire others to embrace their individuality and pursue their unique journeys in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-trust in a challenging environment.