Coco Jones, a former Disney star, has undergone a remarkable transformation, securing her position as a first-time Grammy nominee in five categories, notably Best New Artist. At 26, Jones, reflecting on this achievement, expressed her determination to reach new heights in her career.
Jones initially gained recognition as a recurring guest star on Disney’s musical sketch comedy “So Random!” and starred in the network’s TV movie “Let It Shine” in 2012. However, in a 2020 YouTube video, she candidly revealed the discrimination she faced as a dark-skinned black woman in both the acting and music industries after departing from Disney.
Inspired by the viral response to her video, Jones embraced a rebranding journey, posting singing videos to revive her acting and music careers. Acknowledging the challenges of rebranding, she emphasized gratitude for her Disney past while aspiring to outshine her younger self.
In 2022, Jones released her debut EP, “What I Didn’t Tell You,” featuring the chart-topping hit “ICU,” her first No. 1 single on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Despite the song’s success, Jones aims for longevity, aspiring for multiple songs to stand the test of time.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Jones portrays the iconic character Hilary Banks in the 2022 remake of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” on the Peacock streaming service, bringing a darker-skinned iteration of the original character to life.
Approaching the Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles, Jones remains uncertain about preparations but has her eyes on a particular prize. She expressed that winning Best New Artist would be the most shocking and challenging due to its genre-neutral nature, highlighting the stiff competition for the prestigious award.