JoJo Siwa Makes History on “Dancing With the Stars” Season 30 with Groundbreaking Same-Sex Partnership

The highly anticipated 30th season of ABC’s iconic dance competition, Dancing With the Stars, is poised to deliver a truly historic moment. Teenage sensation JoJo Siwa, renowned YouTube personality, pop star, and alumna of the reality series Dance Moms, is set to shatter traditional boundaries as she steps onto the ballroom floor. At just 18 years old, Siwa will be making monumental strides by becoming the show’s first-ever contestant to be paired with a same-sex partner – a significant milestone that promises to redefine representation on mainstream television.

JoJo’s decision to embrace a female partner was made with conviction and enthusiasm. When she received the invitation to join the milestone season of Dancing With the Stars, she was presented with a choice: to dance with a male or a female professional. Without a moment’s hesitation, her response was clear and resolute. During ABC’s Summer TCA presentation on August 26, JoJo eloquently expressed her motivations: “Without hesitation, immediately, I was like, ‘It would be so incredible and would mean so much to me, and I think mean so much to people around the world if I partnered with another female.’ So right away, there wasn’t a question.” This immediate and heartfelt declaration underscored her commitment to authenticity and her desire to leverage her platform for positive change.

The young star firmly believes that her choice will resonate globally, sending a powerful and inclusive message to audiences worldwide. She elaborated on the importance of this representation, stating, “It’s not I have to be with a boy. It’s not normal to be with a boy. It’s normal to be with anybody, a human. I’m just so happy.” This simple yet profound statement highlights a crucial shift in societal perceptions, emphasizing that love, partnership, and performance transcend traditional gender roles. JoJo’s joyful embrace of her identity and her choice is a testament to the growing acceptance of diverse relationships and serves as an inspiring beacon for countless individuals who may feel constrained by conventional expectations.

JoJo readily acknowledged the significant impact of her decision, recognizing that she is consciously breaking numerous “barriers” by opting for a female partner. “I’m doing something I’ve never done before,” she remarked, conveying a sense of excitement and groundbreaking spirit. The historical weight of her participation was not lost on show host Tyra Banks, who underscored the magnitude of this moment for DWTS. Tyra’s direct acknowledgement, “You’re making history, JoJo,” affirmed the show’s understanding and full support of this transformative step, positioning Season 30 as a landmark edition in the series’ long run.

With a background rooted in competitive dance from her days on Dance Moms and extensive performance experience through her music career and tours, JoJo brings a unique blend of skill and showmanship to the DWTS ballroom. Her existing dance foundation gives her a distinct advantage, and her vibrant personality is sure to captivate viewers. As for her professional partner, JoJo already has a few esteemed female DWTS pros in mind. “There are so many girls that are on the show that I would love to be paired with. I think Lindsay [Arnold] is awesome, Jenna [Johnson] is incredible, Britt [Stewart] is amazing. I think if I got one of those three I would just be so happy,” JoJo enthusiastically shared. Each of these professionals brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and unique choreographic styles that could beautifully complement JoJo’s energy. The anticipation for the official partner reveal during the season 30 premiere is palpable, as fans eagerly await to see which accomplished dancer will join JoJo in this historic journey and how they will innovate traditional ballroom routines to create something truly spectacular.

JoJo’s groundbreaking decision on Dancing With the Stars comes hot on the heels of a deeply personal and public journey. In January 2021, she bravely came out as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, a moment that resonated deeply with millions globally. Her candidness was met with an overwhelming outpouring of support, which she openly acknowledged. Speaking to PEOPLE magazine in April 2021, she expressed, “I’ve never gotten this much support from the world. I think this is the first time that I’ve felt so personally happy.” This period of self-discovery and acceptance has clearly empowered JoJo to live authentically and advocate for greater visibility and inclusion. She is currently dating Kylie Prew, and their relationship has been openly shared with her massive social media following, further cementing her role as an influential figure for LGBTQ+ youth and allies.

Beyond JoJo Siwa’s groundbreaking announcement, Dancing With the Stars Season 30 has also revealed another exciting addition to its star-studded cast: Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee. Suni, a phenomenal 18-year-old gymnast, soared to global stardom following her remarkable performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where she captured the coveted 2020 Olympic all-around champion title in women’s gymnastics. Her inclusion adds another layer of athleticism and star power to an already captivating roster. The announcement of both JoJo and Suni as the first official cast members has ignited immense excitement and speculation regarding the full lineup for Season 30. Additional DWTS contestants are set to be unveiled in the coming weeks, further building anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable season. The landmark Dancing With the Stars season 30 is scheduled to premiere on September 20 on ABC, inviting viewers to witness a season of exceptional talent, emotional journeys, and historic firsts.

The implications of JoJo Siwa’s decision extend far beyond the dance floor. It marks a pivotal moment for mainstream television, showcasing an embrace of diversity that reflects modern society. By featuring a same-sex couple in a prominent, family-friendly competition, Dancing With the Stars sends a powerful message of inclusion and acceptance to millions of households. This move could pave the way for similar representation in other reality shows and entertainment platforms, normalizing LGBTQ+ relationships and providing much-needed visibility for younger audiences. JoJo, with her immense platform and influence among youth, is perfectly positioned to lead this change, making her participation not just a competition, but a cultural phenomenon.

Her journey on DWTS will be closely watched, not only for her dance prowess but also for the impact of her partnership on the show’s dynamic and the broader cultural conversation. The professional choreographers will undoubtedly rise to the occasion, adapting their artistry to highlight the unique strengths and chemistry of a female-female pairing. This provides an exciting creative challenge and an opportunity to evolve ballroom dance forms. As the premiere date approaches, the excitement continues to build for a season that is truly set to be a game-changer, promising entertainment, inspiration, and a significant step forward in representation on television.