Torna a Casa,JoJo.

Pop star dishes about new album, upcoming concerts

She may been a famous singer and actress living in Los Angeles, but JoJo is still the girl next door. She's just grown up now.

Former Foxboro resident JoJo, a.k.a. Joanna Levesque, is returning to the East Coast this weekend for shows in Connecticut and Boston. The shows, one at The Shrine at Foxwoods and the other at The Estate on Boylston Place (the alley), will have a completely different feel than some of her past concerts.

"My two most popular songs out aren't really club songs," JoJo said in a phone interview this week. "So I have a couple different things going. We'll see where the energy takes us."

JoJo, now 19, is in the midst of an international tour, and she recently returned from the Philippines. She heads back there for a concert on May 15.

The pop star and movie actress has been touring with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, whom she sang two songs with on his last album.

JoJo will be releasing a new album later this year.

"Getting to see (Timberlake) in his environment was wonderful. He is such a seasoned pro. Getting to watch him was amazing," JoJo said.

Despite becoming an international star, JoJo is glad to be returning to the East Coast for her shows.

"I love the area so much. Even through I live in L.A. now, I still consider it my home. It just feels right. All is well with the world," JoJo said.

"Oh this is sort of top secret," JoJo added, "but I will performing a new song at the shows this weekend."

The song is from the album "All I Want is Everything," which will be released later this year by Interscope Records. It's in the final stage of production.

JoJo wrote most of the songs for "All I Want is Everything," which has been two years in the making. During that time, she said she has been developing herself as a singer and songwriter. Though purposefully vague about the details of "All I Want is Everything," JoJo said it's a change from her previous albums, and reflects her growth and change in musical taste.

"I think people won't be expecting it," she said.

Signing with Interscope has infused the album with fresh energy, JoJo said. "It seems like it has been a long time coming, but it's been worth it."

As for performing more locally, like Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxboro, JoJo said she loves that venue and saw R&B legend Chaka Khan sing there when it first opened.

"I would love to (perform there) when the new album comes out."

JoJo is performing Friday, May 7, at The Shrine at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn. DJ Skeet Skeet will open. Ladies get in free before 10 p.m. Otherwise it's ladies $10, guys $20. Show time is 9 p.m. Visit www.shrinemgmfoxwoods.com or call 860-312-8888.

On Saturday, May 8, JoJo is performing at The Estate, 1 Boylston Place, Boston, also with DJ Skeet Skeet. It's a 21-plus show. Ladies free before 10 p.m. Otherwise, $20 cover. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. www.TheEstateBoston.com or 617-351-7000.

ARTICOLO COMPLETO