Coco Jones Reflects on a Pivotal Year: Grammy Nominations, Breakout Hits, and Industry Representation
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Coco Jones, known for her role in “Bel-Air” and her burgeoning music career, shares the highs and lows of her whirlwind year. The 25-year-old artist, who recently received her first-ever Grammy Award nominations, opens up about the surreal moment of discovering her five nominations, including Best R&B Album and Best New Artist, while on a plane.
Recalling the success of her EP “What I Didn’t Tell You,” released in late 2022, Jones delves into the unexpected popularity of her hit single “ICU,” which earned nominations for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. Amidst her relentless schedule, marked by her inaugural solo tour and the platinum status of “ICU” in October, Jones expresses gratitude for the overwhelming audience response to the soulful breakup anthem.
Reflecting on her Disney Channel days and early career experiences, Jones acknowledges the shift from a fairy-tale atmosphere to the challenges of rejection in the pursuit of her musical aspirations. However, she notes a positive evolution in the entertainment industry’s representation, particularly for dark-skinned Black women.
Jones emphasizes, “I definitely feel like the industry for dark-skinned Black women has gotten better and better, especially since I was a young girl.” She sees progress in storytelling and positions of power that highlight women of color’s perspectives, creating more opportunities for authentic representation.
Coco Jones Says the Entertainment Industry Has ‘Gotten Better’ for ‘Dark-Skinned Black Women’ (Exclusive) https://t.co/46KLQyyYVe
— People (@people) December 20, 2023
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Jones highlights a surreal encounter with Beyoncé at Roc Nation’s Pre-Grammy Brunch earlier this year. The superstar’s recognition left Jones profoundly impacted, solidifying her belief in the transformative power of her artistry.
As Coco Jones continues to make waves in both the music and entertainment spheres, her journey exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to pushing boundaries for greater representation in the industry.