JoJo Siwa Transitions to Full Name Joelle on TikTok, Signaling 2026 Rebrand

Joelle Siwa, widely known as JoJo Siwa, has made a subtle yet significant change to her online presence by updating her TikTok bio to reflect her full legal name, Joelle Siwa. This shift occurred ahead of the new year, with the 22-year-old entertainer hinting at "big plans for 2026" in a December 31 video posted on the platform. In the clip, Siwa lip-synced to the lyrics of her 2016 single "Boomerang" – "I’mma come back like a boomerang" – fueling fan theories of an impending rebrand.

Siwa first rose to fame as a child performer on the reality series "Dance Moms", where her high-energy personality, signature ponytails, and colorful bow accessories became cultural touchstones. At just 9 years old, she captivated audiences with her dance skills and upbeat music, releasing hits like "Boomerang" that emphasized themes of resilience and self-acceptance – messages that resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, Siwa has embraced her identity as a member of the community, coming out publicly in 2021 and advocating for visibility and acceptance for young queer individuals.

This name change arrives at a transformative juncture in Siwa's career. Now 22, she has navigated the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, evolving from a kid-friendly brand to a more mature artist. Her TikTok update replaces the playful "JoJo Siwa" moniker with "Joelle Siwa," a move some interpret as a step toward adulthood and artistic independence. Fans flooded the comments with excitement, with one writing, "Her changing her name from JoJo to Joelle has to be the biggest glow up ever," and another predicting, "2026 is going to be crazy."

Reflecting on the past year, Siwa's life saw notable developments that may contextualize this rebrand. In April 2025, she appeared on "Celebrity Big Brother UK", where she formed a romantic connection with British presenter Chris Hughes. The pair quickly went public with their relationship, sharing affectionate moments that highlighted Siwa's openness about her attractions within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. This partnership marked a new chapter, blending her American fame with international appeal and showcasing her confidence in authentic self-expression.

Siwa's journey also includes broader contributions to LGBTQ+ representation. As a prominent figure who came out as pansexual, she has used her platform to support transgender people, non-binary individuals, and others in the community, emphasizing inclusivity in her music and social media. Her advocacy aligns with a larger trend among queer celebrities who evolve their brands to reflect personal growth, much like how artists such as Sam Smith or Troye Sivan have refined their images over time. Siwa's name update, while personal, underscores the fluidity of identity for many in the LGBTQ+ community, where chosen names often play a key role in self-affirmation.

The response from Siwa's dedicated fanbase has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewing the bio change as a "soft launch" for bigger announcements. Social media buzzed with support, celebrating her transition from child star to empowered adult. Comments like "Queen Joelle incoming!" reflect the community's enthusiasm for her next era, potentially including new music, tours, or media projects.

For LGBTQ+ audiences, Siwa represents hope and resilience. Her story illustrates how public figures can navigate fame while honoring their authentic selves, inspiring younger fans to embrace their identities without fear. As 2026 unfolds, observers anticipate that Joelle Siwa will continue breaking barriers, perhaps with music that delves deeper into her experiences as a queer woman in entertainment.

This moment also highlights the role of social platforms like TikTok in shaping celebrity narratives. By controlling her own story, Siwa empowers fans to witness real-time evolution, fostering a sense of shared journey within the global LGBTQ+ community.