Joanna "JoJo" Levesque, the 34-year-old singer, has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, navigating the complexities of life and confronting her past struggles with addiction and self-destructive behaviors. In a candid interview with Us Weekly, JoJo opened up about her personal evolution, revealing her battles with addiction, her path towards self-awareness, and the newfound peace she has found in embracing vulnerability and healthy relationships. Her journey, detailed in her 2024 memoir, Over the Influence, and reflected in her latest EP, NGL, showcases a woman coming to terms with her past and stepping into a future filled with self-acceptance and empowerment.
JoJo’s story begins with a candid acknowledgment of her own struggles with addiction. While she doesn’t identify as sober, she recognizes addictive tendencies within herself and actively works to manage them through periods of abstinence, such as Dry January and abstaining from alcohol while on tour. This realization stemmed from observing her own behavior and recognizing patterns mirroring those of her parents, who both struggled with addiction. JoJo’s journey to self-awareness involves constant self-checks and the implementation of healthy practices to ensure she remains on a positive path, prioritizing her well-being and avoiding the self-destructive behaviors that once held her captive.
The singer’s memoir, Over the Influence, delves deeper into her experiences, revealing a complex tapestry of struggles with alcohol, love, sex, and validation. She recounts a period in her life where she sought solace in these external sources, using them as coping mechanisms to numb emotional pain and fill a void within herself. JoJo’s willingness to share such intimate details speaks to her commitment to transparency and her desire to connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. This vulnerability, she believes, is crucial for healing and growth, both for herself and for those who resonate with her story.
One of the most poignant revelations in JoJo’s memoir is her admission of infidelity, driven by her addiction to validation and a self-sabotaging pattern. She describes feeling compelled to betray her partner, succumbing to a cycle of seeking external affirmation and then punishing herself with guilt and self-loathing. This honest portrayal of her past mistakes reflects her commitment to owning her story, even the less flattering aspects, and using it as a catalyst for growth and change. Looking back, JoJo expresses no regrets about her candidness, viewing her memoir as a snapshot of a particular time in her life and a testament to her journey of self-discovery.
Having confronted her past and acknowledged her vulnerabilities, JoJo is now embracing a new chapter in her life, one marked by self-love and a readiness for healthy relationships. She speaks of creating space for a partner who is equally committed to vulnerability, accountability, and growth, a testament to the emotional maturity she has cultivated through her journey. This newfound sense of self-worth allows her to set boundaries and prioritize her own well-being, making conscious choices that align with her values and desires. JoJo’s current state of mind reflects a profound shift from seeking external validation to finding peace and contentment within herself.
This personal transformation is reflected in JoJo’s music, particularly in her latest EP, NGL. The project, her first independent release, embodies themes of ownership and empowerment, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey and reflecting the personal growth she has undergone. The EP, released four years after her previous one, captures the experience of being single, navigating a new city, and embracing a newfound confidence and comfort in her own skin. The song "Ready to Love," featured on the EP, encapsulates her current mindset, expressing her openness to a healthy, fulfilling relationship built on mutual respect and vulnerability.
JoJo’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, hope. Her willingness to confront her past, acknowledge her vulnerabilities, and embrace her journey of healing serves as an inspiration to others who may be struggling with similar challenges. Through her music and her memoir, JoJo offers a powerful message of self-acceptance, empowerment, and the transformative power of vulnerability. Her journey reminds us that true strength lies not in hiding our imperfections, but in embracing them as part of our unique and evolving narrative.
