In a challenging period of her career, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque discovered comfort through her bond with Selena Gomez. As she reflects on her career in her upcoming memoir, Over the Influence, set for release on September 17, Levesque recounts the struggles of her twenties, marked by difficulties with her former label, Blackground Records.
This label, which had control over her recordings since she was a child, failed to provide consistent distribution, leading Levesque to release two mixtapes online—Can’t Take That Away from Me in 2010 and Agapé in 2012—to maintain her connection with fans.
Levesque shares how she appreciated Gomez’s grounded nature, despite feeling occasional envy of her more publicized life
Levesque describes her internal conflict between her desire for creative freedom and the demands of her label. She recalls how industry pressures led her to undergo weight loss treatments as advised by her label and admits that she struggled to fully embrace her authentic self, often seeking approval from the industry.
In a revealing excerpt from her memoir, Levesque discusses how her friendship with Gomez was a source of support. Introduced by mutual friend Francia Raisa, Levesque and Gomez developed a close relationship, which offered Levesque a refreshing change. She valued Gomez’s grounded nature despite their shared early entry into the music world.
Levesque notes that, while she occasionally felt envious of Gomez’s more publicized life, she remained appreciative of her own lower profile. At a Galentine’s Day party hosted by Taylor Swift, she found joy in simple activities like enjoying In-N-Out burgers and texting an old flame, offering a welcome distraction from her career challenges.
Reflecting on her earlier career, Levesque acknowledges how she was conditioned to maintain a strategic distance from other female stars, a practice she now contrasts with the genuine connections she formed with Gomez and Swift. Despite some feelings of being pitied, she questions whether these were more about her own insecurities than others’ perceptions.
