Published in the Contra Costa Times and republished in multiple publications: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2482&dat=20060516&id=RpVIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5wkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3006,182649
By Casey Capachi
Once in a lifetime, a prodigy is born. In the 1700s it was Mozart and in 2006 it is JoJo. The singer/songwriter started singing at age 2 and in 2004 became the youngest solo artist to have a #1 hit in the United States with the song “Leave (Get Out).” Recently interviewed in San Francisco while promoting the upcoming family flick “RV” it’s clear that JoJo is here to stay.
“After I started talking, I started singing. It was just something that came naturally. There was always music playing even when I was in the womb. I was very feisty and ambitious and I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be up on stage performing like I saw Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston do,” said JoJo.
The new actress made her first feature film appearance this March in Aquamarine, a movie about two girls who find a mermaid in their beach club’s swimming pool.
On Friday, RV will be in theatres. JoJo plays an angst-ridden teenage girl who is constantly embarrassed by her dad, played by Robin Williams. “As soon as my agent sent me the script and the name Robin Williams was attached I didn’t even need to read the script to say yes. Once I did dive into the script I just fell in love with it and my character Cassie. I liked that Cassie was different from the character I played in Aquamarine. I auditioned five times and really fought for the role. I knew it was going to be a lot of fun,” said JoJo.
Working with the all star cast of RV, including comedian Jeff Daniels, met every one of JoJo’s expectations. “It was a dream working with Robin but also very nerve-racking. Thankfully I had the experience from Aquamarine because RV was like jumping into the lion’s den. I just sat back and absorbed what Robin and the whole cast was doing because everyone was so professional and you could learn so much just by watching them. I was in awe of all of them to be honest,” said JoJo.
Success is well deserved for JoJo. Life wasn’t always so sweet for the singing sensation who grew up in a one bedroom apartment with her mom. “Coming from a financially limited family has made me more grounded. It has given me a different outlook on success than someone who has grown up with money. I remember what it was like sharing one bedroom with my mom and having paint chips fall into my cereal. So I like to share my money with my friends and be generous with it,” said JoJo.
JoJo has remained true to her values in an industry where so many young stars seem to fade. “You won’t see me dancing on tables,” she has said. But the 15 year old, who claims she frequented the guidance counselor’s office when in middle school due to teasing, does have insecurities that every human can relate to.
“The worst thing about being a celebrity is that people have preconceived notions about you. Four months ago I did what is one of the most awful things you can do when you’re in the public eye; I went on the internet and read what people were saying about me. They criticized the way I dressed and who my friends are. It is so hurtful because I am still a very vulnerable person. I’m a teenager and also a girl,” said JoJo.
There is no doubt that JoJo’s down to earth personality has helped her gain fans through interviews and that her “tell it like it is” lyrics have helped her sell millions of records. It is apparent that JoJo will continue to impress.
“As long as I keep my head on straight there’s a lot more that I can accomplish. I feel like there’s only up to go from here. The sky’s the limit! I’m just finishing up my second album and can’t wait to solidify my spot,” said JoJo JoJo’s next album is due out late Summer or early Fall and expect her new single in the next 2 months. The singer describes her new songs as having “the same R&B influences but a little more upbeat and mature.”
Her goals, besides “world domination” are quite normal for a teenager. “I’m just trying to finish high school. Maybe eventually get into a college I don’t know if I want to go to Stanford like my character Cassie in RV does. Names don’t really matter to me as long as I learn,” said JoJo. Wherever she chooses to apply, her extracurricular activities list will definitely stand out.