Chart-topping singer and actress Joanna “JoJo” Levesque has just released her long-awaited memoir, “Over the Influence”. Best known for her early ’00s hits “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little Too Late”, JoJo’s story has been one of meteoric success, unexpected challenges, and ultimately, triumph over adversity. This book promises to reveal the untold story of the singer’s fight for her voice, both literally and figuratively.
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🚨 Over the Influence: A Memoir by Joanna “JoJo” Levesque is out now in the US! UK readers, you’ll be able to get it in…
Posted by Good Star Vibes on Tuesday 17 September 2024
Signed to a major record label at the age of 12, JoJo quickly rose to stardom, dominating pop and R&B charts and becoming a global sensation with her distinctive voice and relatable youth. She captured millions of hearts with her cool-girl charm, and her presence in pop culture extended beyond her music, with magazine covers, film roles, and television appearances making her a household name.
However, JoJo’s career came to a sudden halt, leaving fans wondering where she had disappeared to. In “Over the Influence”, JoJo shares the details of her gruelling legal battle with her former record label, a lawsuit that stifled her ability to release new music for years. The memoir delves deep into the personal and professional struggles that took place during this challenging period of her life, as JoJo fought for her artistic freedom and worked to rebuild her career on her own terms.
Far more than a typical celebrity memoir, “Over the Influence” sheds light on JoJo’s resilience and vulnerability. Raised by parents who struggled with addiction and mental health issues, JoJo’s early years were far from easy, and the pressures of fame compounded those personal struggles. In her memoir, she speaks openly about the emotional toll of her journey, offering readers an intimate look at the highs and lows of her life in the spotlight.
In an exclusive reveal, People Magazine published an excerpt from the book just days before its release, where JoJo opens up about her personal connections with fellow celebrities, including Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, and reflects on her experiences within the entertainment industry. Through these candid recollections, JoJo provides readers with a raw and relatable look at her struggles with self-comparison, fame, and navigating relationships in a high-pressure world.
In the excerpt, JoJo shares how she first connected with Selena Gomez through mutual friend Francia Raisa, revealing a bond that felt refreshing amidst the pressures of fame. She writes, “It was honestly a breath of fresh air to be around someone who had started in this industry at such a young age, just like me, and was still so down to earth and open.”
Yet, despite the friendship, JoJo acknowledges moments of envy, particularly when witnessing the scale of Gomez’s fame: “I can’t lie; I felt the occasional twinge of pain or jealousy at the outward differences in our lives and careers, but then I’d quickly reel myself back in: the level of fame she had was overwhelming to me.”
JoJo also recounts a memorable Galentine’s Day celebration at Taylor Swift’s house, offering a glimpse into the close-knit girl gang that helped her feel less isolated during a challenging period in her career. Reflecting on the evening, JoJo writes, “Taylor was so sweet and complimentary… She mentioned deepcut songs of mine she loved and kept saying how f—ed up the lawsuit was, the fact that I couldn’t put out music.” This support from one of the most famous women in the world was validating for JoJo, but she also struggled with feelings of inadequacy, often wondering if others at the party saw her as an imposter.
The excerpt reveals JoJo’s vulnerability, balancing between feelings of gratitude and doubt, a common thread throughout her memoir. For more of these personal insights, you can read the full People Magazine exclusive excerpt by clicking here.
On the day of her memoir’s release, JoJo sent a touching newsletter to her fans, reflecting on the significance of Over the Influence. In her message, she shared a photo of herself at seven years old and proudly wrote, “7-year-old me would be proud… She would think it’s badass that we wrote a whole book and that our fans already got it on some best seller lists just from pre-orders alone.” She expressed excitement and gratitude, noting that her younger self would be “freaking out” over this incredible milestone in her career.
JoJo also reflected on the personal journey of writing the memoir, describing it as a process of reconnecting with parts of herself that had been lost over the years. She wrote, “The part that was too traumatized to try. Too numb to feel or get excited anymore. Those parts are back online.” JoJo’s message was a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and self-reflection. She concluded with gratitude to her fans for their support and expressed hope that her story would resonate with others, serving as a reminder that “they can change their narrative — and that their story isn’t done until they decide it is.”
Music has always been JoJo’s primary passion, but her versatility as an entertainer saw her take on various acting roles during her rise to fame. In 2006, she starred in Aquamarine, a beloved teen comedy about friendship and a mermaid, alongside Emma Roberts and Sara Paxton. That same year, she appeared in RV opposite comedy legend Robin Williams, playing his rebellious teenage daughter. These roles solidified JoJo’s appeal as both a singer and actress, showcasing her talent beyond the music world, all the while struggling to release music due to the record label.
Acting gave her the opportunity to stay connected with the entertainment industry while navigating the frustrations of her stalled music career. In 2008, she took on more dramatic roles, appearing in True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet as a troubled teen actress, and later in 2013, the indie comedy G.B.F., which was praised for its modern take on high school life and LGBTQ+ representation. These roles became creative side projects as JoJo fought to release new music during her drawn-out legal battle with her former record label. Despite her talents on screen, JoJo’s primary passion remained music, and she continued to push for her artistic freedom.
Interestingly, JoJo’s acting career could have gone in a completely different direction. In 2005, she was offered the lead role in Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, a part that would go on to launch Miley Cyrus to stardom. JoJo turned down the role, choosing instead to focus on developing her music career at a crucial time. While it was a bold decision that may have altered the trajectory of her acting career, JoJo remained dedicated to her musical roots, determined to carve out her own path as an artist. Though frustrations with her music career were looming, JoJo has expressed that she doesn’t regret her choice, staying true to her passion for music.
Now, JoJo stands as a symbol of perseverance, having reclaimed her career, releasing music under her own label, and even gracing Broadway stages, where she plays Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. “Over the Influence” is not just a victory lap; it’s a testament to JoJo’s grit, determination, and refusal to be silenced.
With her candidness and unflinching honesty, JoJo’s memoir is a must-read for fans and anyone who has ever felt held back by obstacles. The book is currently available right now, and it has been published by Hachette Books and Macmillan. Get your copy from Amazon, Waterstones, Bookshop.com, or anywhere you prefer to buy your books from.
If you are lucky enough to live in one of the six below cities, JoJo is currently out on a book tour, where she is meeting fans, signing her memoir, and taking meet-and-greet photos. Make sure you don’t miss out on meeting this incredibly resilient female singer. You can RSVP at the official website by clicking here.
JoJo’s “Over The Influence” 2024 Book Tour:
- September 16 – All She Wrote, Boston, MA
- September 17 – Books & Greetings, Northvale, NJ
- September 18 – The Strand, New York, NY
- September 21 – Book Passage, San Francisco, CA
- September 22 – B&N The Grove, Los Angeles, CA
- September 23 – Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC