JoJo Siwa Rebrands as Joelle Siwa Amid Dramatic Transformation

American singer and dancer JoJo Siwa quietly changed her TikTok name to Joelle Siwa after sharing a look back at her past year. The update came alongside a viral video posted on December 28, 2025, which quickly amassed 8 million views.

Viral Video Sparks Conversation

In the video, Siwa reflected on her dramatic transformation. Fans immediately noticed her new look, complete with visible tattoos, and the change of her account name from her longtime nickname, “JoJo,” to her birth name, Joelle. The shift caught many followers off guard, prompting widespread discussion online.

Transformation Amid New Relationship

Some fans linked the transformation to her relationship with sports presenter Chris Hughes, whom she met during their stint on Celebrity Big Brother. Netizens debated whether the change represented a full rebrand or just a social media update. One user tweeted, “JoJo Siwa evolving! I wonder if this is a full rebrand or just a TikTok thing.”

Highlights of the Year

The clip featured a March 2025 red carpet appearance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Siwa wore a denim co-ord set, glittery headpiece, and rhinestone-heavy makeup. Later in the year, she appeared more casually at the GLAAD Media Awards, including a Christmas sweater look. She captioned one post, “The girl who is exiting 2025,” signaling the end of her previous style era.

Image credits: itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Mixed Fan Reactions

Reactions to Siwa’s transformation and name change were mixed. Some fans praised her elegant new look, while others expressed confusion over the switch from “JoJo” to Joelle. Social media users debated the motivations behind the change:

• “Her adventure was so bizarre she changed her name.”

• “Interesting choice! I wonder if she’ll explain the reason behind the change.”

Some questioned if the shift related to her sexuality. Siwa initially identified as a lesbian in 2021 but has more recently refused to label her orientation.

Influence of Chris Hughes

Several fans suggested that her relationship with Chris Hughes influenced the transformation. Others speculated she was adopting more traditional gender roles. Supporters, however, credited Hughes for positively impacting Siwa’s life and personal growth:

• “Chris Hughes has been so good for and to you.”

• “You’ve never glowed more than when Chris was loving you.”

Responding to Criticism

Siwa addressed her critics in a December 31 TikTok video, lip-syncing to her hit Boomerang: “I don’t really care about what they say.” She reinforced her independence and confidence while embracing her new identity.

Looking Ahead

Joelle Siwa’s name change and transformation mark a new chapter in her career and personal life. While fans continue to debate her style and motivations, the singer appears confident, reflecting on a year of growth, evolution, and self-expression.