One day JoJo saw a small newspaper advertisement for auditions on a new kids TV show. It was interesting to learn that JoJo and I had something in common: We both made our TV debuts on Bill Cosby's Kids Say The Darndest Things. While I was saying the 'darndest things' as Cosby interviewed me at age nine, JoJo belted out a beautiful song on the show which led to an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show. The next thing she knew, JoJo had offers from producers and record companies worldwide. JoJo and her mom, Diana Levesque, sorted through all the offers and decided to sign with Background Records, and her career has skyrocketed from there. A few months ago she released her self titled debut album, and her single "Leave (Get Out)" topped billboards singles sales chart. While promoting the album, I recently had the opportunity to speak with JoJo. I congratulated JoJo on the success of her first album, and asked her if all the work that goes along with her success has left her missing out on all the everyday things of being a normal kid. "There are some things I miss" JoJo replied. "Like I'm home-schooled now so I don't get to see my friends as much as I'd like to, and I'm traveling a whole lot, but this is really my choice, so I love doing it, and I'm really grateful for my success. "My friends understand that I don't get to hang out as much as I used to, but I'm doing a lot of other great things." Who influenced her most musically? "Well, I listened to everyone from Aretha Franklin to Bob Seager, to the Beatles, but I have to say that my mom is probably my biggest influence. She really has a great voice." So who was the most exciting person she has met so far? "Without a doubt, Bow Wow was the coolest. I've always been a big fan of his. He's so cute, I was really freaking out when I met him."
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