JoJo’s big career moment derails in shock twist

Pop star JoJo has been left heartbroken after the Broadway revival of Chess announced it is shutting down just hours before she was due to begin rehearsals.

The 35-year-old singer, real name Joanna Levesque, had been set to step into the role of Florence Vassy after Glee star Lea Michele, with her first rehearsal originally scheduled for June 23. 

But those plans have now collapsed after producers confirmed the production will close early, with its final performance on June 21.

In a statement shared on Chess’ official Instagram, the team wrote, “Nothing is so good, it lasts eternally. CHESS will play its final Broadway performance on June 21.”

The sudden announcement has sent shockwaves through theatre circles, especially as JoJo had only just begun teasing her big Broadway moment. 

Just days earlier, she posted excitedly after performing at the Forever Mine Festival in Chicago, writing, “Very different worlds that I’m so lucky I get to inhabit,” hinting at her transition into the musical.

But instead of stepping into rehearsals, she found herself reacting to the news online, commenting, “Was supposed to start first day of rehearsals TODAY. So bummed. All my love to the company.”

Fans rushed to rally around the singer, with one Broadway account suggesting she should still be brought in for the final weeks of performances. 

Even Nicole Scherzinger chimed in on her post, calling her “the coolest”.

Chess, staged at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre, will now end its run after more than 250 performances. 

The show has been nominated for five Tony Awards, including acting nods for Nicholas Christopher, Bryce Pinkham and Hannah Cruz, adding an extra bittersweet note to its early closure.

For JoJo, however, what was meant to be a major career milestone has turned into a sudden and disappointing detour.

RELATED: Bad Bunny lands surprise 'Toy Story 5' role as ‘Pizza with sunglasses’