JoJo Celebrates 20 Years of ‘The High Road’ With New Tour and Music
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque has watched her music grow up, and now she’s getting to see it grow up with an entirely new generation of fans. Nearly 20 years after releasing…
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque has watched her music grow up, and now she’s getting to see it grow up with an entirely new generation of fans.
Nearly 20 years after releasing her sophomore album The High Road, the singer-songwriter and actress is reflecting on the album’s lasting impact, from its emotional breakup anthems to the younger listeners discovering her music for the first time.
During an appearance at the Alice + Olivia by Stacy Bendet red carpet in New York City on Thursday, Sept. 10, Levesque spoke with PEOPLE about the love her music continues to receive. With the anniversary of The High Road approaching, she said she feels grateful for the album’s staying power.
“It’s just amazing how things come in cycles,” Levesque said. “And it’s amazing to see ‘Too Little, Too Late,’ for example, resonate with people who were not even born when my first album came out.”
That kind of musical longevity is something many artists hope for, but Levesque is getting to experience it firsthand. Her songs, once played on the radio and downloaded onto early MP3 players, are now finding new life on social media.
She added, “Just to be able to experience longevity and new seasons and feeling like I continue to grow, it’s the biggest blessing.”
‘Too Little, Too Late’ Gets a New Generation Hooked
Released as part of The High Road, “Too Little, Too Late” remains one of JoJo’s most recognizable songs. The track captures the frustration of realizing someone’s promises are not enough, and its message has clearly survived the test of time.
The song has inspired numerous covers and recently returned to the spotlight on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Younger listeners have embraced the track, proving that a great breakup song never really goes out of style. It simply finds a new audience.
According to Genius, “Too Little, Too Late” made a major jump on the Billboard charts after its release, climbing from No. 66 to No. 3. That rise became one of the largest one-week jumps in chart history at the time.
The song’s renewed popularity is another reminder that JoJo’s music continues to connect with listeners well beyond the era in which it was released.
From Teen Star to a Growing Music Career
JoJo first made her mark with her self-titled debut album, JoJo, in 2004. The record featured “Leave (Get Out),” the catchy song that helped introduce her powerful voice and confident attitude to pop audiences.
Since then, Levesque has released five additional albums, including The High Road, Mad Love. in 2016, Good to Know in May 2020, December Baby in October 2020, and Trying Not to Think About It in 2021.
Her career has also expanded beyond music. In addition to acting, Levesque has continued exploring musical theater, a creative path that has become an important part of her life.
Now, as she looks toward the next chapter, she is finding new ways to bring her past and present together.
JoJo Announces an Unplugged Anniversary Tour
On Monday, Sept. 14, Levesque announced The High Road Tour: 20 Years Unplugged to celebrate the upcoming anniversary of her second album.
The tour will include seven “intimate” North American dates throughout November. Rather than simply replaying the past, the unplugged format promises a more stripped-down experience, allowing fans to hear the songs in a different way.
Levesque shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “I’m sooooooooooooo excited for this.”
Tickets first become available through an artist presale on Sept. 15, followed by the general on-sale the next day. Fans can find more information through Levesque’s official website.
For longtime listeners, the tour offers a chance to revisit the songs that shaped their teenage years. For newer fans, it could be an introduction to the music that helped make JoJo a pop standout in the first place.
Broadway Dreams and a New Album on the Way
While celebrating the past, Levesque is also keeping her eyes firmly on the future.
The singer told PEOPLE that she has “workshopped something original” for a new Broadway show, a project that reflects her love for musical theater.
“I believe in it. It’s changed my life,” she adds.
Levesque also said she has felt “inspired” while living in New York City and spending time outdoors. Those experiences appear to be fueling her creativity as she works on what comes next.
And for fans who have been waiting for new music, there is plenty to look forward to.
“[I have a] new album next year, which is the thing that lights me up the most,” she revealed. “So new tour, new music, it’s all new.”
After nearly two decades of making music, JoJo is still finding new reasons to be excited. Her old songs are reaching fresh ears, her next tour will celebrate a major milestone, and a new album is already on the horizon.
Not bad for someone whose biggest hits have officially entered their nostalgia era.
