JoJo Siwa Name Change 2026: Why She Is Transitioning to Joelle

JoJo Siwa is officially entering her Joelle era. Ahead of the new year, the 22-year-old entertainer quietly updated her TikTok handle to her birth name, Joelle Siwa, following a viral year-in-review video that has already garnered 8 million views. After building a global empire on the 'JoJo' brand, this subtle shift has caught the internet off guard.

JoJo Siwa Name Change 2026: A Move Beyond the Bow

The transformation isn't just about a name. Throughout 2025, Siwa has been pivoting from her signature glitter-heavy aesthetic to a more refined look. In her latest video posted on December 28, she contrasted her high-glam red carpet appearances at the iHeartRadio Music Awards with casual, festive clips. Fans on X were quick to meme the situation, referencing the anime 'JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure' and claiming this marks the end of her own 'bizarre' journey.

The Chris Hughes Effect and Viral Backlash

Much of the online chatter surrounds her relationship with Chris Hughes, a 33-year-old sports presenter. The two confirmed their romance in June 2025 after meeting on 'Celebrity Big Brother.' Some critics argue that her shift toward traditional feminine roles is influenced by Hughes, especially after she faced 'trad wife' accusations for a cover of 'Bette Davis Eyes' earlier in the year.

Siwa, however, seems unbothered. On December 31, she posted a TikTok lip-syncing to her classic hit Boomerang, specifically the line "I don’t really care about what they say." It’s a clear signal that while her name is changing, her defiant spirit remains the same.