MUSIC 13-year-old singer doesn't want age to be an issue

Her mother is trying to keep her protected from the 'sleazy' music business.
By HELENA PAYNE
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BOSTON -- Jojo can't drive and she can't vote, but the 13-year-old whose debut single, "Leave [Get Out]," recently topped Billboard's singles sales chart can belt out a tune with the emotion of a diva.
At first listen, "Leave" -- with teenage love-themed lyrics and a video set in a high school, just like Britney Spears' first song -- makes it seem Jojo has been prepackaged for another pop idol path.
However, Jojo prefers to downplay her age, and says the songs on her self-titled album, scheduled for release June 22, are for everybody.
"I talk about things that are real to teenagers, and to people in general," the Foxboro native told The Associated Press by phone from her new home in Edgewater, N.J. "It reaches a broad audience, and that's important."
Jojo, born Joanna Levesque, said the album encompasses many genres, including the reggae-influenced "Baby It's You," which will probably be her second single. But it's primarily R & amp;B-influenced, particularly with her cover of the hit 1992 SWV ballad "Weak."
Beyond her years
Jojo belts out the hook over the phone, proving she could improvise a melody well enough to turn the heads of Beyonc & eacute; or Christina Aguilera. And that's when Jojo's voice reveals an emotion that seems beyond her years.
"We go through things on a little smaller scale than adults, but still there's drama -- and that stuff with boys," she said.
That's part of the reason Jojo loathes the term "child prodigy" and protests the contention that "she doesn't know what she's singing about."
But Jojo faces stiff competition in the competitive teen music market, as shows like "American Idol" regularly feature talented teenagers and young adults with star potential.
"Nothing is easy. That world does not exist in the world of contemporary pop music," said Steve Leeds, a promotion executive who has worked with record labels and MTV. "If you want it, you've got to make a commitment. You've got to work hard."
Former teen star Deborah (formerly Debbie) Gibson said a young artist also has to be wary of the flavor-of-the-day music industry.
"A record company will use you up, throw you out, and they'll be on to the next, but it's the parent's responsibility to make sure there's a whole sane human being left at the end of the day," said Gibson, who signed her first record deal at 16 and went on to record several hits.
Gibson said if Jojo remains grounded, works hard and has the right people to support her, she will have a good chance for success.