JoJo Siwa and her 'Dancing With The Stars' partner Jenna Jonhson might have only ranked second in this year's season of the popular show, but they sure made history.
The Nickelodeon star and pro dancer Johnson were the first same-sex pairing in the show, a milestone that was long-overdue.
They lost the title to former NBA player Iman Shumpert, who was named the ballroom champ on Monday, November 22, becoming the first professional basketball player to make it to the finale or win the Mirrorball Trophy in the show's history.
JoJo Siwa And Jenna Johnson Made 'Dancing With The Stars' More Inclusive
Siwa and Johnson, however, provided great visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, of which the YouTube personality revealed to be a part of earlier this year. On the finale, they danced freestyle to 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga, an ever-powerful hymn celebrating being your true self.
Siwa opened up on being a role model for the community and help bring queer representation to the fore with Johnson.
"I think the crew on the show and the casting department is an amazing team. I feel like, if it makes sense, there should be and will be multiple more same-sex pairings," Siwa shared in an interview with 'Teen Vogue'.
"I’m happy I got to be the first, but I would never expect to be the last. It’s something that can go on forever and ever … a straight male can dance with a straight male, or a straight male can dance with a gay male. I think it shouldn’t matter, it should be what every party is comfortable with," she added.
In an Instagram post shared after the final 'DWTS' episode, Siwa said she is proud of being a beacon of LGBTQ+ representation.
"[...] I am MORE than proud of the message that we spread. Dancing with the same sex partner is the furthest thing from weird or strange, it’s magical, accepted, and CELEBRATED!! I’m so thankful that kids today have moments in history like this to look to and realize that LOVE IS LOVE and being who you are is beautiful. Celebrate being born the way you are everyday no matter what!" she wrote.
JoJo Siwa Debuts More Mature, Glamorous Look
On the dance competition, Siwa also debuted some more grown-up ensembles, leaving her signature bow and ponytail behind. She carried this more mature fashion style to the AMAs red carpet, too.
The dancer and singer took part in the ceremony on November 21, stunning fans and fellow celebrities by rocking a black gown with a ruffled, sheer skirt and an off-the-shoulders bodice. Siwa revealed her mother had picked the dress for her, while Johnson helped her pick the right shoes.
In an interview on the red carpet tweeted by Access Hollywood, the 18-year-old said: "I sent my mom to the store. I said 'mom, I need a mature outfit.'"
Siwa then revealed her dance partner had gifted her the sparkling heeled shoes she was wearing. And not just any heels: Siwa was wearing her first-ever pair of Louboutins.
"Jenna showed up today, she got me heels. She bought me my first-ever pair of Louboutins," Siwa said.
As well as the shoes, Johnson gave Siwa some advice on how to walk in heels.
Siwa said: "We did a rumba on 'Dancing with the Stars' a few weeks ago and Jenna told me 'do rumba walks.'"
"I've been taking rumba walks every step that I take and it helps," she added.