Joanna Levesque shot to stardom at the young age of 13. Fast forward two decades, and “JoJo” – as she is affectionately known – has penned a memoir reflecting on her journey. Surprisingly, her breakout hit song, “Leave (Get Out),” was initially met with skepticism. In fact, she was brought to tears when her label proposed it as her debut single.

At that time, the lyrics of the song, which narrated the story of a boy who mistreated her, felt disconnected from her own reality as a sixth-grader. And musically, the pop genre of the song was a departure from her R&B and hip-hop roots.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, JoJo shared, “I think that’s where the initial seed of confusion was planted within me, where I was like, ‘Oh, you should trust other people over yourself because … look at this. You trusted other people and look how big it paid off.'” Despite her initial reservations, “Leave (Get Out)” went on to top the Billboard charts, catapulting JoJo to the status of the youngest solo artist ever to achieve a No. 1 hit.

“I grew to love it. But initially, I just didn’t get it,” JoJo admits. Her journey through the tumultuous world of young pop stardom is vividly captured in her new memoir, “Over the Influence.”

With hits like “Too Little Too Late” and “Baby It’s You,” JoJo’s formative years were spent in recording studios and tour buses. Despite the challenges, her raw talent resonated with audiences of all ages, particularly young listeners.

Reflecting on her unconventional career path, JoJo acknowledges the hurdles she faced, particularly during a prolonged legal battle with her former record label. The struggles, though daunting, played a significant role in shaping her identity as an artist.

Looking ahead, JoJo is optimistic about the changing landscape of the music industry, where artists are gaining more autonomy over their work. She cites her decision to re-record her first two albums as a move towards reclaiming control of her artistry, a trend echoed by fellow musicians like Taylor Swift.

As a new generation of artists emerges, JoJo finds inspiration in their defiance of traditional norms. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-expression in an industry that often demands conformity.

In sharing her life story through her memoir, JoJo hopes to empower others to carve their own paths and embrace their individuality. Her journey from a teenage sensation to a seasoned artist is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-discovery.