Aug 9
JoJo Siwa Unleashes ‘Raspy’: Pop Star Pokes Fun at Haters and Embraces Authenticity in Bold New Single
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
JoJo Siwa—pop icon, LGBTQ+ advocate, and former "Dance Moms" star—has debuted her new single “Raspy,” turning internet chatter and criticism into an anthem of self-acceptance and playful defiance. The song dropped August 8, 2025, and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Siwa’s release follows months of viral discussion regarding her gravel-toned vocals, which first gained widespread attention with her cover of Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes.” While some fans celebrated her bold interpretation, others took to social media with memes and critiques, poking fun at the huskiness of her delivery.
Rather than retreat, Siwa has leaned into the controversy. “Eyes like Bette Davis, hear my voice and you know what my name is,” she raps in the opening verse, directly referencing her previous hit and the public conversation around her voice. The chorus doubles down: “Raspy, Raspy, Raspy, I get raspy. You know I’m raspy, you see I’m raspy.” The message is clear—Siwa is unafraid to own her sound and her story.
The release of “Raspy” comes at a pivotal moment in Siwa’s career, as she prepares to kick off her ‘Infinity Heart’ European tour on September 29, beginning in Dublin and spanning 11 cities including London, Paris, and Warsaw. The tour promises a spectacle of choreography, powerhouse vocals, and unapologetic self-expression—hallmarks of Siwa’s brand that resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ fans.
Siwa’s journey as a queer artist has been closely followed since she publicly came out in 2021. Her embrace of her own identity and her ongoing visibility have made her a role model for young LGBTQ+ people, especially those navigating public scrutiny and self-doubt. “Raspy” is more than a song—it’s an affirmation that authenticity is worth celebrating, even when met with criticism.
Since its release, “Raspy” has sparked lively conversation across social media platforms. On Instagram, Siwa and her team have shared behind-the-scenes moments and encouraged fans to stream the new single, using hashtags like #RASPY and #jojosiwa to amplify the message. Fans have responded with a mix of playful memes celebrating Siwa’s signature vocal style and heartfelt messages of support, commending her courage and resilience.
One recurring theme among LGBTQ+ followers is the importance of reclaiming narratives and refusing to be silenced. Siwa’s willingness to poke fun at herself—while also challenging the negativity directed at her—is seen as a powerful act of queer joy and self-love.
With “Raspy,” JoJo Siwa has signaled a shift from child star to mature pop artist, unafraid to confront controversy with humor and heart. The track’s hip-hop influences and lyrical candor mark an evolution in her sound, one that reflects both her personal growth and the changing landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music.
As she prepares to take her ‘Infinity Heart’ tour across Europe, Siwa continues to champion visibility, inclusion, and pride, reminding fans—especially LGBTQ+ youth—that authenticity is something to be celebrated, not hidden. Her journey from viral memes to viral music is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the enduring impact of LGBTQ+ voices in pop culture.
