- - Who is Joelle? JoJo Siwa puzzles fans with apparent name change

Edward Segarra, USA TODAYJanuary 2, 2026 at 9:44 PM

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The new year is all about fresh starts, and JoJo Siwa may be on the brink of a reinvention.

The pop singer and former child dance star, whose real name is Joelle Joanie Siwa, surprised fans when she changed her name to "Joelle Siwa" on her official TikTok account.

Siwa further fueled speculation of a major rebrand with a video post on New Year's Eve. In the seven-second clip, the "Dance Moms" alum playfully lip-synchs to her 2016 bubblegum-pop hit "Boomerang" alongside the on-screen caption, "Any plans for 2026?"

"What a year it is ahead ✨🤍," Siwa, 22, wrote in the post's caption.

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Siwa for comment.

Siwa's teaser follows an eventful 2025 – both personally and professionally – for the award-winning singer and media personality.

Following the release of her 2024 EP "Guilty Pleasure," Siwa released five singles this past year, including a cover of the Kim Carnes '80s hit "Bette Davis Eyes." The electropop track, which drew criticism from Carnes herself, has racked up 1.5 million views online.

Siwa also made waves with her love life. The singer, who starred on the latest season of "Celebrity Big Brother," sparked a real-life romance with her costar Chris Hughes after breaking up with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs.

JoJo Siwa talks health: Singer reveals she was hospitalized due to 'excruciating pain'

JoJo Siwa gets fans talking with TikTok name change

Siwa's name change on TikTok quickly turned heads in the comments section, earning praise from longtime fans and puzzling some newer devotees.

"Her changing her name from JoJo to Joelle has to be the biggest pull ever!!!" @kkcunn22 wrote. "2026 is gonna be crazy!!!"

"Joelle suits you so much more. Such an iconic, unique name," @littlelegend1987 commented.

"Joelle Siwa has entered the chat 🩷🩷," @caitlinmatthews25 wrote.

JoJo Siwa arrives at the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on March 14, 2024.

'It's not platonic anymore': Yes, JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes are dating

"WHO the hell is Joelle Siwa," @jamie.is.hungry commented.

"Ummm Joelle Siwa? I missed a few chapters," @molly_elizaa wrote.

"Her real name is Joelle. JoJo was just a nickname," @xoxsquidxx commented. "Are y'all new here?"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: JoJo Siwa puzzles fans with apparent name change

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