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JoJo Siwa’s attempt to reinvent her image has hit a stumbling block with her new album, drawing more attention for the wrong reasons than she likely anticipated. Transitioning from her signature pink and bow-clad persona to a more adult, leather-clad style hasn’t resonated well with fans.
From the striking resemblance to Gene Simmons in her new look to criticism of the music video’s execution, Siwa’s latest single, “Karma,” hasn’t garnered the enthusiasm she hoped for. Interestingly, the original version of the song, recorded over a decade ago, has piqued considerable interest since its release.
The songwriting process in the music industry typically involves multiple contributors, with pop icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift often collaborating with various writers and producers. While Siwa’s “Karma” credits three individuals, including renowned songwriter Desmond Child and music production duo Rock Mafia, Siwa herself isn’t listed as a contributor.
Desmond Child’s illustrious career includes collaborations with iconic acts like KISS and Bon Jovi, while Rock Mafia’s work with former Disney stars turned musicians like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez underscores their influence in the industry. Despite Siwa’s attempt to embrace an edgier persona akin to Miley Cyrus’s Bangerz era, rumors suggest “Karma” may have been originally intended for Cyrus’s 2011 album, Cannot Be Tamed.
Enter Brit Smith, known professionally as Matisse, whose rendition of “Karma” surfaced on YouTube shortly after Siwa’s version aired. Smith, an American singer-songwriter and actress, gained recognition for her solo career after a stint in the girl group Brit & Alex. The response to Smith’s version was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing preference for her rendition over Siwa’s.
Comments on Smith’s YouTube upload praised her delivery and expressed relief at being able to enjoy the song without supporting Siwa. The general consensus was that the issue with “Karma” lies not in its composition but in its performance. While Smith has yet to address the clamor for her unreleased album, her existing singles have seen renewed interest since the song’s release.
As controversy swirls around Siwa, including allegations of abusive behavior during her time with the girl group XOMG Pop!, the dancer has remained tight-lipped. While Siwa denies these claims, attributing any discord to the dynamics of “momager” relationships, the controversy adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding her career evolution.