Gene Simmons Sends Strong Message After Critics Accuse Young Performer of Copying Him

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: Gene Simmons of KISS performs during KISS: End of the Road World Tour at Madison Square Garden on December 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

With KISS' touring life in the rearview, Gene Simmons may have formally put his Demon persona back in the closet, but he's not gatekeeping his iconic look.

The singer stepped up to the defense after the internet tore JoJo Siwa apart at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she appeared for the evening clad in a black and silver mesh catsuit with black makeup creating a mask reminiscent of Simmons'.

"Is Jojo Siwa trying to join Kiss bc what the h--- is happening here?" one critic questioned, but Simmons, 74, as it turns out, is proud to serve as inspiration for the young pop star.

"Never be ordinary. Always be extraordinary. JoJo is extraordinary and she looks cool," the "Rock And Roll All Nite" singer told TMZ, hyping up her bold new look as he suggested that anyone sending the 20-year-old hate for her style transformation either didn't understand it or was just jealous of the performer.

ICYMI, the Dance Moms alum has been transitioning away from her recognizable high ponytails and giant bow combo paired with neon/rainbow outfits as she prepares to release her next single, "Karma," on Friday, April 5, 2024. For the last several weeks, she's been teasing the darker, edgier vibe on her social media, even giving a glimpse at her red carpet look in sneak peeks at the track's music video, which seems to feature the same 'fit.

Critics have suggested she's taking her "version of post-Disney...rebellion" too far, but the "Boomerang" singer doesn't seem to be put off by the commentary, abiding by the lyrics she once sang: "Won't let the haters get their way..."

And, if nothing else, she's got Simmons in her corner.

Next: Gene Simmons Feels 'Immortal' Thanks to His 'Schmeckle'