Celebrity
Despite Abby Lee Miller’s controversial past, she and JoJo Siwa are on good terms as they’re all smiles on the red carpet together.
Since 2013, the American Reality Television Awards has honored both on-camera and behind-the-scenes talent from all areas of unscripted TV. Each year, shows and stars from network, cable, and streaming platforms are eligible, with millions of votes cast across categories. Naturally, JoJo Siwa couldn’t miss such an important media outing given her reality TV history. The now-21-year-old even reunited with Abby Lee Miller on the red carpet.
JoJo Siwa’s rise in reality TV began with her appearance on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition in 2013. As a 10-year-old, her bold personality and dance talent caught viewers’ attention. In 2015, she joined the cast of Dance Moms with her mother, Jessalynn, and quickly became a standout star. Fans loved her signature bows, positive energy, and determination. Siwa’s Dance Moms fame opened doors, leading to appearances on several reality shows.
As JoJo Siwa’s brand has grown beyond reality TV, she hasn’t forgotten her roots. Back in April of 2024, the YouTube star told People that she keeps in regular contact with her former dance instructor. “Abby [Lee Miller], honestly, my relationship is great,” explained Siwa. “I talk to her on a weekly basis. Great human in my life.”
Her statement came as Miller was notably not in attendance for the premiere of Lifetime’s reunion special, Dance Moms: The Reunion. People previously reported that Dance Moms cast members agreed to participate in the April 2024 reunion only if Miller was not invited. For some, this made sense. Since Dance Moms, Miller has sparked controversy for her harsh teaching style, legal issues involving bankruptcy fraud, and allegations of discriminatory behavior.
Fast forward to the 2024 American Reality Television Awards. Siwa is an alum of several nominated shows, including Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Dancing With the Stars, The Masked Singer, America’s Got Talent, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her reunion with Miller made some fans emotional as both have evolved in unexpected ways since first meeting in 2013.
Miller was in her wheelchair as she posed on the red carpet. The 59-year-old was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive cancer that required emergency surgery and extensive treatment, in 2018. Complications from the surgery left her partially paralyzed, and she continues undergoing physical therapy to regain mobility. Though she now uses a wheelchair, she continues to host masterclasses and interact with fans.
