Concert review: JoJo Delivers Soulful, Career-Spanning Set at College Street Music Hall
Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager with early 2000s R&B-pop hits like Leave (Get Out) and Too Little Too Late, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque has experienced a journey unlike most in the industry. After skyrocketing to fame at just 13, she found herself locked in a years-long battle with her former label, unable to release new music on her own terms. But JoJo never backed down. She fought for her artistry, re-recorded her early albums, and reintroduced herself to the world as the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter she was always meant to be. Now, with her latest EP NGL, she’s stepping into yet another exciting chapter—one that’s honest, vulnerable, and full of the vocal brilliance that has defined her career. At College Street Music Hall Tuesday night, she brought that journey to life, delivering a performance filled with raw emotion, effortless charisma, and a voice that somehow just keeps getting better.
Opening the night was Emmy Meli, who wasted no time setting the tone with her spunky, effortlessly cool attitude. From the moment she stepped on stage, she exuded charm, making it feel like she was performing for a room full of people she genuinely wanted to vibe with. Her smooth R&B sound, rich with soulful melodies and dreamy production, had the audience swaying along, completely locked into her vibe. But it wasn’t just her voice that had everyone hooked—it was the way she moved, swaying and gliding across the stage with smooth, hypnotic dance moves that kept the crowd hanging on her every move. Whether she was flashing a sly grin between lyrics or leaning into the mic with sultry intensity, she had everyone hanging onto her every word, setting the perfect mood before JoJo took the stage.
JoJo’s vocal talent is no secret, but experiencing it live is something else entirely. From the very first song, she unleashed the kind of insane vocal runs that make your jaw drop, effortlessly flipping between powerhouse belts and soft, sultry notes. But beyond just showing off her range, she sang with so much heart—fully locked into every lyric, every melody, making sure the audience felt it just as deeply as she did. And she never lost sight of that connection, continuously engaging with the crowd, making eye contact, reaching out, and turning the night into something that felt intimate despite the packed venue.
With an all-female band backing her, JoJo brought a fierce and confident energy to the stage, making it clear she was in her element. “You know I’m an East Coast girly,” she reminded the crowd, which only made the love from her fans even louder. Every song carried its own emotional weight, from sultry slow burns to powerhouse anthems, and she glided through them all with undeniable charisma. Before Ready to Love, she took a moment to reflect, encouraging the crowd to hold out for the kind of love that’s truly right for them. “Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve,” she said, her words landing just as powerfully as the song itself.
The rest of the set was a seamless blend of JoJo’s newest material and the nostalgic tracks that made everyone fall in love with her in the first place. Songs from her NGL EP like Not That You Asked and Lover Alone hit with a fresh emotional punch—more raw and mature, but still packed with the same vocal brilliance that’s been her trademark since the beginning. She poured herself into the newer tracks, proving that her evolution as an artist is still very much in motion. But when she circled back to the classics, the energy shifted into full-on scream-along mode. Too Little Too Late and Leave (Get Out) sent the crowd into a frenzy, with JoJo throwing in extra vocal flourishes and letting fans take the reins on some of the most iconic lines. It was a reminder of how timeless those songs are—and how JoJo, somehow, sounds even better now than she did back then.
JoJo also showed off her impressive versatility with some well-loved covers, including a soulful rendition of Teddy Swims’ Lose Control and an intimate, stripped-down take on SZA’s Love Galore. Both covers showcased her effortless ability to take on different styles while still making each song her own. Her take on Lose Control was smooth and seductive, with JoJo gliding through the vocal runs like she was born to sing it. Love Galore had a more laid-back vibe, with JoJo leaning into the emotional depth of the lyrics, allowing the audience to hang on to every word. These covers weren’t just a treat—they were a testament to JoJo’s range and the undeniable connection she has with every song she performs.
Later in the show, during Weak, a track off of her debut album, she created an unforgettable moment when she invited a fan named Issa onstage. JoJo had no idea just how incredible Issa’s voice was, and the second she heard her sing, her face lit up in shock and excitement. The two of them took to the raised platform together, their voices blending beautifully as JoJo hyped her up, beaming with genuine admiration. It was a moment that perfectly captured JoJo’s spirit—not just as an artist, but as someone who truly sees and uplifts her fans.
When JoJo launched into Leave (Get Out) and Too Little Too Late, the crowd erupted in a wave of nostalgia. Those early 2000s anthems are as iconic as they come, and JoJo’s performance of them reminded everyone why they became instant classics. With every note, she brought a fresh energy to the songs, mixing that longstanding teenage angst with her incredible vocal power. Fans sang every word right back at her, reliving those unforgettable moments from their teenage years, while JoJo added some extra vocal flourishes and runs that made the tracks feel even more timeless. It was the perfect blend of past and present, a reminder of how far she’s come while celebrating the music that made her a household name.
The NGL Tour is a testament to her growth as both an artist and a person. From the raw emotion of her new songs to the electrifying energy of her classic hits, she created a night that felt both deeply personal and wildly celebratory. Her undeniable vocal talent, emotional honesty, and magnetic stage presence left the crowd hanging on to every word, every note, and every moment. Whether she was connecting with her fans through powerful anthems or slowing things down for intimate covers, JoJo demonstrated just how far she’s come since her teenage debut. But what truly made the night unforgettable was the way she made everyone in that room feel like part of her journey—like they were there for the music and for the moments that really matter.
Click here for more photography of Jojo’s performance in New Haven.
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