JoJo Siwa Embraces 'Special Forces' for a Nostalgic Dance Journey: Embrace the Instructions
JoJo Siwa reflects on her experience on 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test', revealing how it brought her back to her dancer roots Discover how she had to embrace discipline and follow instructions in this captivating journey of self-discovery
JoJo Siwa, a participant on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, found herself reminiscing about her early days as a dancer during the reality show.
"It's interesting because everything in my past required me to be in charge," Siwa, 20, shared exclusively with We. "When I go on tour, I'm responsible for the 60 crew members and I have to be the boss. But here, it felt strange because I was the opposite of being in charge."
She continued, "None of us were really in control, and it was kind of a relief to just sit back, work hard, and follow orders. It's funny, but I enjoyed it in a weird way. I think it's the dancer in me that made me feel like I was back to my roots – just sitting there, being quiet, and doing as I was told."
Siwa first gained attention at the age of 9 when she competed on the Dance Moms spinoff Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition in 2013. Since then, she has launched a successful YouTube channel, released multiple songs and a movie, and embarked on a tour. She has also appeared as a contestant on The Masked Singer and Dancing With the Stars, where she made history with pro Jenna Johnson as the show's first all-female partnership.
Siwa joined a team of celebrities under the guidance of former special forces operatives, aiming to endure a challenging selection process that reflects real-life conditions. While undergoing the rigorous training exercises in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test in New Zealand, the YouTube star expressed her desire to encourage and support her fellow participants, aspiring to be their cheerleader.
Reflecting on her experience, Siwa shared, "One of my main priorities while I was there was to maintain a positive and uplifting atmosphere for everyone. It's something that I've always done throughout my life."
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During her time on season 2 of the Fox reality show, which debuted in September, Siwa formed close bonds with other competitors, such as Tyler Cameron from Bachelor Nation and Nick Viall.
"I distinctly remember the moment when Nick and I were alone in our accommodations, in our bedroom, and that's when I realized, 'This man now feels like family,'" Siwa shared. "And later on, around day six, is when I truly felt that we had become a family. At the beginning, during the helicopter submersion, it felt like a free-for-all and we all felt pretty close, but it was definitely towards the end that the bond strengthened."
Siwa has also been open about her friendship with Cameron, 30, saying he would "probably" be the best man at her future wedding. Although Siwa finds the former Bachelorette contestant attractive, she clarified that she's not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with him.
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"I always tell my friend Tyler Cameron that I'm probably the only girl in America who wouldn't want to be with him," she said in a recent interview with Bustle. You can catch Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test on Fox on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.
