We’re all familiar with JoJo Siwa’s reality TV and social media presence by now, but just this Apr., she debuted her mature “gay-pop” music career. The single, of course, gained social media attention, due to the controversy and backstory behind it.

Siwa recently signed with Columbia Records to reconstruct her music career, altering it to fit her more mature, out-and-proud self.  On Apr. 5, Siwa released her new single, “Karma.” The song gained social media attention due to its interesting-to-say-the-least music video. In an interview surrounding the release of the single, Siwa states she wrote the song herself and she’s inventing a new genre called ‘Gay Pop.’  Upon further investigation, the song was originally offered to Miley Cyrus in 2012, immediately discrediting Siwa’s statement.

The song was rejected by Cyrus and her team, in which the song was given to up-and-coming pop star at the time, Brit Smith. Lyrics were changed accordingly and a demo was recorded (followed by a beat produced by singer-songwriter Timbaland), but instead of debuting the single, Smith began her career with the track “Provocative,” featuring Will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas. Due to a lack of interest, Smith retired from her music career shortly after its release. The track ultimately became scrapped until it was given to Siwa recently.

Due to Siwa’s signature with a large record label, this was inevitable to happen. The music industry feeds off songs written originally for other artists and demos of our favorite, nostalgic songs sung by different artists. With Siwa’s past controversies, many listeners have preferred Smith’s version, with Smith dropping the single on streaming platforms after over a decade of its recording.

After listening to both, I will say Siwa’s rendition isn’t awful; just not built for her vocals. Siwa’s statement about writing the song herself was painfully unnecessary and ultimately came to backfire on her. I much prefer Smith’s take on the song because the nostalgia is there. I was born in 2004 and I ultimately grew up listening to the songs on the radio of the 2010s. This song perfectly encapsulates that nostalgic feeling of 2010 music on the radio station. The fact that Siwa’s debut had a retired pop star regain fame more than her is ultimately the funniest form of revenge. She should’ve known better.