During a recent episode of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, master impressionist Chloe Fineman took on the persona of former child star turned queer icon JoJo Siwa. Siwa, who found fame on the reality series “Dance Moms” before releasing hit songs and rebranding her image, has been a topic of conversation due to her edgier new look. Fineman, portraying Siwa, embraced this new image by donning glitter, leather, and black lipstick, joking about her transformation from sparkles to black sparkles since coming out as LGBTQ+ in 2021. The parody drew laughs as Siwa’s new “bad girl era” style was mocked for resembling a figure skater joining a street gang.
Siwa’s claim of being a pioneer of the “gay pop” genre was also parodied during the sketch, with Fineman’s character boldly declaring herself the first gay girl in the world, to which co-anchor Colin Jost responded with a humorous quip. The parody highlighted Siwa’s viral moment earlier this year, adding to the comedy of the sketch. However, reactions to the parody were divided among fans and viewers, with some feeling that the show should not be making fun of a young star, despite the humor and accuracy of the sketch. Concerns were raised about targeting a 20-year-old and not allowing her to navigate the challenges of growing up in the public eye without added scrutiny.
Despite the backlash from some viewers, the parody drew attention to the complexities of Siwa’s public image and transformation. From her roots on a reality TV show to her current status as a queer icon with a rebranded image, Siwa’s evolution has been met with various reactions. The sketch on SNL provided a platform to discuss these changes in a comedic manner while also shedding light on the challenges faced by young stars in the entertainment industry. With Siwa’s song “Karma” garnering millions of views on YouTube, her evolving persona continues to capture the public’s interest and curiosity.
The sketch on SNL also touched on Siwa’s acknowledgment of her past statements, particularly her claim of inventing a new genre of music known as “gay pop.” This self-proclaimed title was humorously addressed during the parody, adding to the overall satire of Siwa’s recent endeavors. While some viewers found the sketch to be entertaining and in line with the show’s comedic style, others expressed concern for the young star’s well-being and the impact of public scrutiny on her life. The parody highlighted the fine line between humor and criticism, especially when it comes to targeting individuals in the public eye.
Overall, the SNL parody of JoJo Siwa’s recent transformation and public persona provided a platform for discussing the complexities of youth in the entertainment industry. While the sketch elicited mixed reactions from fans and viewers, it also sparked conversations about the challenges faced by young stars navigating fame and evolving identities. As Siwa continues to redefine herself and her image, it is important to consider the implications of satire and humor when addressing sensitive topics such as sexuality, identity, and public perception. The parody served as a lighthearted take on the changes in Siwa’s life while also raising important questions about the role of entertainment in shaping public opinions and perceptions of celebrities.
