By Larry London
Washington, D.C.
31 July 2006
 


JoJo became the youngest American musician to have a song at number one on the music charts in 2004. Since then, she has starred in two films and will release her second album. VOA's Larry London had a chance to talk with JoJo about growing up in the music business.

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		JoJo

"My mom travels with me everywhere, and I'm very close to my family, and I still live in Massachusetts," she says. "So I think that that keeps me grounded and keeps it all in perspective for me. And I have people that are constantly telling me, 'You know, don't take this for granted because it could be gone so quick.' "

Although JoJo is most known for her singing, she also loves to act. She first acted at the age of six on a show hosted by American comedian Bill Cosby.

"When I was a lot younger, he gave me my first television experience. So, that kinda set the fire in me, and I knew that I wanted to do this for real."

JoJo says her next album really shows how she's grown up. "It's something I'm really proud of. It's been three years since I was last in the studio. And, from 12 to 15, turning 16, that's a big difference in a girl's life, so you're definitely going to hear that. And I just feel more confident in my vocals, and more confident in the things that I'm singing about, because I feel like I have, you know, something to really relate it to."

JoJo hopes people will see a different side of her on the new record.

"I don't feel like on my first record people really got to hear, you know, all that I could do. And of course, on this record, I won't be able to show all that I can do, because I'm not completely grown yet. So I think every album you'll get something different, because I'm still growing up."

JoJo says she wants to tour outside the United States with her new album. "I love traveling. I love seeing my fans internationally.  I love just really reaching out to people, so I would love to do a tour."

JoJo hopes to continue balancing her singing and acting careers.

"Hopefully I'll be, you know, working on a third record, or have done a third record, have it out, touring internationally, be doing more films. Just keeping it moving. I don't want to put a limit to what I can do."