JoJo Siwa ditches bows, embraces mature image with new single "Karma"

JoJo Siwa's latest single "Karma" has arrived, preceded by a warning to listeners: “The following content is not made for children and may be disturbing or offensive to some viewers. May contain sexual themes, violence, strong language, traumatic scenarios, and flashing lights. Viewer discretion is advised.”

The accompanying music video, co-directed by Siwa and Marc Klasfeld, is now out.

Siwa incorporates a playful touch with a two-piece silver ensemble: hot pants with side ties and a statement-shouldered vest worn daringly without a top. This look nods to her signature style while adding a touch of grown-up allure.

The Dancing with the Stars contestant maintains her love of sparkle, adorning her blonde hair and eyes with rhinestones. This demonstrates that even as her style evolves, Siwa retains the iconic elements that made her famous.

One iconic Siwa accessory is notably absent as she embraces a sexier, more mature style: her signature bow. The Dance Moms alum left it behind years ago and shows no signs of bringing it back.

“I am now 20 years old. I have not stuck a hair bow in my hair for two years now,” she revealed last October on her iHeart podcast, JoJo Siwa Now. “Nothing against the hair bow, I just haven’t worn it.”

Despite the change, Siwa still expresses fondness for her past: “I still love them. I still love JoJo bows. I love what they mean. I love what they stand for. I love my past of wearing them every day. I still sometimes stick little bows in.”

“Anyways, it’s been a long two years, haven’t worn one,” she concluded.

“I’ve grown up for eleven years now in front of the world and I have always been about making art. That’s what I love to do. I’ve always been genuinely myself and I’ve always created stuff that felt true to me,” Siwa shared at a listening party ahead of the song’s arrival. “As I got older I really wanted to create stuff that was gonna make the world say, “What the f***?” And the fun thing is with ‘Karma,’ I wanted this first breakout adult moment to do that. I wanted this first adult breakout moment to make people’s heads turn.”

This release comes shortly after reports surfaced about the breakup of XOMG Pop!, the girl group Siwa formed with her mother in 2021. Rolling Stone investigated the situation, obtaining documents and speaking with multiple sources. “It’s like, they use you,” said former band member Leigha Sanderson, “And then they throw you in the trash.”