As most people were counting down to midnight and welcoming the new year, JoJo Siwa quietly did something that sent shockwaves through her fanbase. There were no fireworks, no press release and no explanation. Instead, there was a subtle but striking change to her TikTok profile that instantly caught the internet’s attention.
Overnight, the name “JoJo” disappeared from her bio. In its place appeared “Joelle Siwa”, a softer and more grown-up version of the name that made her famous. Within minutes, fans began refreshing their screens, sharing screenshots and flooding the comments with questions. For many, it felt like a major moment in the career of one of the most recognisable young stars of the last decade.
Siwa did not immediately explain the change. Instead, she posted a short and deliberately cryptic video from her sofa. Playing in the background was her 2016 hit song Boomerang. As the clip played, she mouthed the lyric, “I’mma come back like a boomerang,” before looking directly into the camera. The caption read simply, “What a year it is ahead.”
The reaction online was immediate. Fans began speculating about what the name change could mean. Some described it as a symbolic step into adulthood, while others suggested it marked the beginning of a full rebrand. Comments poured in declaring that 2026 would be “the year of Joelle,” with many followers saying the shift felt intentional rather than impulsive.
Longtime fans also noticed a familiar detail that seemed newly reimagined. Siwa appeared wearing a bow, a signature accessory that defined much of her early career. This time, however, the bow was different. It was sleeker, darker and decorated with pearls rather than glitter. To many, it felt like a nod to her past without being trapped by it.
The timing of the name change did not go unnoticed. It arrived at the end of what has arguably been the most transformative year of Siwa’s life. Over the past 12 months, she has spoken openly about personal growth, shifting priorities and a desire to present herself more authentically. In a recent TikTok montage, she contrasted images of herself at the start of 2025 with footage from the end of the year. The visual difference was striking, with softer styling, more natural hair and a noticeably calmer presence.
She captioned that video by calling the year beautiful and saying she could not count all the highs. For fans, the message was clear. Something had changed, and it went far beyond aesthetics.
Another major element of Siwa’s transformation has been her personal life. Earlier in the year, she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother UK, where she met television personality Chris Hughes. What began as a close friendship gradually developed into something deeper. By June, Siwa openly acknowledged that the relationship was no longer platonic and described herself as being “head over heels.”
In interviews and social media posts, she spoke candidly about how happy she felt, even joking that she had been smiling so much her face physically hurt. The openness marked a noticeable shift from earlier years, when she was more guarded about her private life.
The pair have since been seen spending significant time together, including celebrating birthdays, attending family gatherings and sharing moments from the holiday season. Reports of a family Christmas spent together in Palm Springs added to the sense that this was not a fleeting romance but a meaningful part of Siwa’s evolving life.
For fans, the name “Joelle” began to feel like the final piece of a larger puzzle. It symbolised not just a change in branding, but a declaration of growth. Many pointed out that Siwa has spent most of her life in the public eye, transitioning from reality television to pop stardom while still a child. A name change, they argued, was a way of reclaiming control over her narrative.
Industry observers have also noted that the shift aligns with broader career moves. Siwa has teased major plans for 2026, including a themed cruise billed as “the biggest JoJo experience ever.” While details remain limited, the project suggests she is not stepping away from her audience, but rather redefining how she connects with it.
Coverage from outlets such as BBC News and People has previously highlighted how Siwa has navigated fame while growing up under intense public scrutiny. The latest developments appear to fit into that ongoing narrative of evolution rather than reinvention for shock value.
Whether the name change becomes permanent or remains symbolic, it has already achieved something significant. It has shifted the conversation around Siwa from nostalgia to anticipation. Fans are no longer asking what happened to the child star with the bows, but what comes next for the woman stepping into a new phase of her life.
As the name “Joelle” settles across social media and fan discussions, one thing feels certain. This moment is not about abandoning the past, but about reframing it. The bows, the music and the massive fanbase remain, but they are now part of a larger and more mature story.
For JoJo Siwa, or Joelle Siwa, 2026 is shaping up to be more than just another calendar year. It represents a turning point, watched closely by millions, as she steps forward on her own terms and invites the world to follow.