JoJo Reacts to Broadway's Chess Closing Before Her Debut, Co-Stars Rally Around Her

JoJo has opened up about the disappointment of Broadway's Chess shutting down before she could take on the role of Florence in the acclaimed musical.

The 35-year-old artist, known for the hit "Too Little, Too Late," was slated to step into the part following Lea Michele's final performance on June 21. The production announced an early closure on that same date, eliminating the opportunity for JoJo's debut in the role.

While JoJo posted a quick reaction via Instagram comment shortly after the announcement broke, she has now shared a more comprehensive response through video. "Guys, I was so excited to make my return to the great Broadway, but you know what, life had other plans. I'm so, so sad to hear about the closing of Chess. I really dove in with my vocal coach and my acting teacher and I just love the role of Florence so much," she explained in the footage.

She also praised Michele's performance in the role, noting that those who experienced the show witnessed "incredible" work from the actress.

The singer reflected on the surreal nature of the situation, describing how suddenly her plans shifted. "I think the thing that's weirdest about this is just that you think you have a job or you think you know what you're doing for the rest of the year pretty much, you know? You have your summer planned out and then all of a sudden you don't," she said.

The video showcased behind-the-scenes moments from JoJo's preparation, including rehearsal footage of songs such as "Nobody's Side" and "I Know Him So Well," backstage interactions with cast members, vocal coaching sessions, a visit to the Chess billboard in Times Square, and time spent at the Broadway theater.

JoJo also included raw footage capturing the moment she received word of the closure. "I'm so sad. I just found out that Chess is closing June 21 and I was supposed to go in June 23. So, there's no way to make that a nice thing. It sucks, for everybody who was a part of the production already and has been doing it. This business is just snip done. It's crazy, but I'm very much a forward motion, keep it moving type of person," she reflected.

In her caption accompanying the video, JoJo wrote: "Man… the day before starting rehearsals I got the news that @chessbway is closing. My heart truly goes out to the hundreds of people attached to this beautiful production. Thank you to everyone who got advanced tickets and made plans to see me in NYC. This is a wild game! Things closin left n right. Hold on TIGHT! Wooooooo"

Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher, both set to appear opposite JoJo in the production, shared their support in the comments section. Tveit, who previously performed with JoJo in Moulin Rouge, simply wrote, "Gutted." Christopher expressed interest in future collaboration, commenting, "we have to sing something together at some point."