Joanna “JoJo” Levesque is grateful to have had the opportunity to speak her truth.
One month after the release of her memoir Over the Influence, the “Leave (Get Out)” singer feels good to have her honest story out in the open.
“It felt really liberating, and I wasn’t sure how it would feel,” JoJo, 33, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Sunset Blvd. Broadway Opening Night in New York City on Sunday, October 20. “I wasn’t sure how it would be received. But the process of trying to remember different aspects of my life, it’s actually really cathartic and empowering to then realize how much it connects us as people, as opposed to separates us.”
The writing and publication process allowed JoJo to realize she is never alone.
“In talking about various things that I used to carry a lot of shame about,” she explained, “it actually made me feel more connected to just anybody I meet.”
In her memoir, JoJo recalled finding support in Selena Gomez, who brought her to a Galentine’s Day party at Taylor Swift‘s house. At the time of the invite, JoJo said she felt as though she was running out of hope for her career.
When asked if she’s heard from the pop music superstars since the book’s release, JoJo said she has not. “Not that I wouldn’t,” she added, “but I’m just not that close with them.”
In the book, JoJo was complimentary of Swift, 34, calling her “so sweet and complimentary.” As for Gomez, 32, JoJo described her as “so down to earth and open.”
This weekend, JoJo was specifically singing her praises for Nicole Scherzinger after witnessing her performance in Sunset Blvd. on Broadway.
In the show, Scherzinger, 46, stars as the immortal Norma Desmond, a movie star who yearns to return to the big screen. A struggling screenwriter who can’t sell his scripts to the Hollywood studios may be her only hope, until their dangerous and captivating relationship leads to disaster.
“This is something that you must see when you come to New York, you have to see Sunset Blvd.,” JoJo proclaimed about the show. “The music, the performances, Nicole has to win the Tony. It’s unforgettable.”
After witnessing director Jamie Lloyd’s reimagined version, JoJo couldn’t help but deliver two thumbs up.
“Next level, extraordinary,” she told Us after the show. “I can’t believe I got to be here for the opening night. You can’t miss this. You have to see it.”
Sunset Blvd. is currently playing at the St. James Theatre in New York City.
With reporting by Lexi Carson
