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Coco Jones
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Key Information

Courtney Michaela Ann "Coco" Jones (born January 4, 1998) is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, Jones began auditioning as a child to pursue a career in entertainment. She first appeared on the competition series Radio Disney's Next Big Thing (2010–11), which led to her signing with the company's Hollywood Records and being cast in several Disney Channel properties — including the sketch comedy So Random! (2011–12) and the sitcom Good Luck Charlie (2012–13). She had her breakthrough role as Roxanne "Roxy" Andrews in the 2012 television musical Disney Channel Original Movie Let It Shine, where she co-starred with Tyler James Williams and lent her vocals to the soundtrack for the network.

She returned to a recording career in 2022, signing with High Standardz and Def Jam Recordings to release the single "ICU" in October of that year. The song was her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), also winning Best R&B Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. The award was among five total nominations she received at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards—which included a nomination for Best New Artist. Her debut studio album, Why Not More? (2025), moderately entered the Billboard 200 and was met with critical acclaim; its lead single, "Here We Go (Uh Oh)", was nominated for Best R&B Song at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

That same year, she was cast in the starring role for the Peacock drama series Bel-Air (2022–present). Her other accolades include a BET Award and an NAACP Image Award.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Jones was born on January 4, 1998,[4][5] as the daughter of former NFL player Mike Jones and session vocalist Javonda Jones,[4] and she was raised in Lebanon, Tennessee.[6] Her brother, Mike Jones Jr. formerly played football for LSU. She has two other younger siblings, a sister Aja and brother Steven.[7]

She performed "America the Beautiful" at her kindergarten graduation. At the age of nine, she met with the casting heads for Disney. After that, she became an actor and songwriter for the company.[3]

Career

[edit]

2006–2013: Early career with Disney and Hollywood Records

[edit]
Jones in 2012

In 2006, she competed on Radio Disney, where she became known for her song, "Real You".[6] In 2009, she was chosen to perform live on "The Most Talented Kids" episode of the Maury Povich Show.[8] In 2011, she guest-starred on Disney Channel's television series So Random!.[9] In 2010, Jones was the runner up during season 3 of Radio Disney's The Next Big Thing singing competition.[10] Shortly after, she released her debut project Coco Jones, and began a concert tour revolving around the theme of anti-bullying called UBU-Stop the Bullying.[10][11]

In June 2012, Jones played the lead role of Roxie in the television Disney movie, Let It Shine.[12] The movie was the most watched Disney Channel Original Movie and most watched movie of the year for kids and tweens in 2012.[13][9] Jones and the other main cast of Let It Shine performed at the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards Nominees Luncheon prior to the movie's release.[14]

Jones signed a record deal with Hollywood Records and began working with Grammy-nominated producer Rob Galbraith, co-writing and recording all-new original music.[6] Jones' debut single "Holla at the DJ" premiered on Radio Disney on December 6, 2012, with its release on iTunes the next day.[15] The video for the track premiered on the Disney Channel on December 12, with a premiere on VEVO just afterwards.[16] Her extended play Made Of was released on March 12, 2013, and it reached the top 10 of the Billboard Heatseekers chart. She toured with Mindless Behavior later that year.[17] Jones performed with Mindless Behavior at Radio Disney's Radio Disney Music Awards, and took home an award for "Funniest Celebrity Take." Following the release of the EP, Jones worked in the studio with David Banner, Ester Dean, and Jukebox, with plans to release her debut album by August.[18]

2014–2022: Independent music and acting roles

[edit]

In 2014, Jones was dropped from Hollywood Records.[15] In August 2014, she put out a video for the song, "Pepermint", and made it available on digital platforms a month later.[19][20]

In July 2017, Jones was featured in a Fanta commercial.[21] In April 2018, Jones was featured in 1950s-era jazz film, Flock of Four.[22] In September of that year, she released a song, called "Just My Luck", along with its music video.[23][24]

On September 3, 2019, Jones released a song, called "Depressed". On September 20, she released an 8-track EP, titled H.D.W.Y..[25]

In August 2020, it was announced Jones will appear in the upcoming holiday film, White Elephant, and horror film, Vampires vs. the Bronx.[26][27] In September 2020, Jones talked about her negative experiences in the industry with colorism. According to her, executives decided she was not marketable enough after featuring in Let It Shine.[28][29] In November 2020, Jones released the single, "Hollyweird".[30][31]

In September 2021, Jones was cast in Peacock drama series, Bel-Air, a reimagining of hit sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, in the role of Hilary Banks. The show would premiere in February 2022.[32]

2022–present: Signing to Def Jam Recordings, What I Didn't Tell You and Why Not More?

[edit]

On March 20, 2022, Jones announced that she had signed a new artist deal with High Standardz and Def Jam Recordings.[33][34][35][36] Her major label debut single "Caliber" was released on March 25, 2022, and also served as the lead single for her major label debut EP What I Didn't Tell You.[37] After the release of the EP's second single, "ICU"; as well as the non-album Amazon Music exclusive single, "Love is War", the EP was released on November 4, 2022.[38][39] Just a month prior to the EP's release, Jones was featured on Babyface's ninth album, Girls Night Out, contributing vocals to the song, "Simple". The music video for the song was also released a week later on October 31.[40]

On January 20, 2023, Jones released the deluxe edition to her EP, which includes a song, "Simple", and three new tracks. Jones' single, "ICU", reached number 21 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart,[41] and peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, her first entry on both charts.[42] On 30 January 2024, Jones signed an exclusive publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.[43] On February 10, Jones released "Love is War" on all streaming platforms, and four days later, released a Spotify-exclusive cover of "Until the End of Time" with Leon Thomas.

On April 6, 2024, Jones performed the National Anthem at night one of WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[44][45][46] On August 9, Jones partnered with Disney for a reimagined release of Princess Tiana’s "Almost There".[47] On August 16, Jones released a promotional single, "Sweep It Up", with an accompanying visualizer and lyric video. On November 22, Jones released her sixth extended play, Coco by the Fireplace.[48] On April 25, 2025, Jones released her debut studio album, Why Not More?. [49]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Jones has said that many famous artists have inspired her music. Some of her biggest musical influences include Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin, Brandy Norwood, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Jazmine Sullivan, Britney Spears, Etta James, Roberta Flack, Jennifer Hudson, and CeCe Winans.

Personal life

[edit]

On July 11, 2025, Jones announced her engagement to basketball player Donovan Mitchell.[50]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Coco Jones discography

Studio album

Extended plays

  • Coco Jones (2010)
  • Made Of (2013)
  • Let Me Check It (2017)
  • H.D.W.Y. (2019)
  • What I Didn't Tell You (2022)
  • Coco by the Fireplace (2024)[52]

Filmography

[edit]
Film and television roles
Year Title Role Notes
2011–2012 So Random! Coco Blue Recurring role, 5 episodes
2012 Let It Shine Roxanne "Roxie" Andrews Television film
2012–2013 Good Luck Charlie Kelsey Recurring role (seasons 3–4), 5 episodes
2014 The Exes Vanessa Episode: "Oh Brother Here Art Thou"
2016 Grandma's House Kimberley
2017 Flock of Four Ava Moore
2018 Five Points Jayla Recurring role
2020 Vampires vs. the Bronx Rita
2021–2022 T and Coco Herself/host YouTube series[53]
2022–present Bel-Air Hillary Banks Main role
2025 The Voice Herself/Advisor Season 27 for Team Legend

Live performances and tours

[edit]

Stage acting

[edit]
Year Production Role Venue Notes
2008 A Bronx Tale Jane Paper Mill Playhouse

Tours

[edit]
  • What I Didn't Tell You Tour (2023)
  • Why Not More? Tour (2025)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Organization Award Work Result Ref.
2022 Give Her FlowHERS Awards My Sister's Keeper Award Herself and Akira Akbar Won [54]
BET Awards Best Actress Bel-Air Nominated [55]
Soul Train Awards Best New Artist Herself Nominated [56]
2023 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding New Artist Won [57]
BET Awards Best New Artist
Soul Train Awards Best New Artist Won [58]
Best R&B/SOUL Female Artist Nominated
Album of the Year What I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe) Nominated
Song of the Year "ICU" Nominated
The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter's Award Nominated
Video of the Year Nominated
2024 Grammy Awards Best R&B Performance Won [59]
Best R&B Song Nominated
Best R&B Album What I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe) Nominated
Best Traditional R&B Performance "Simple" (with Babyface) Nominated
Best New Artist Herself Nominated
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Soul/R&B Song "ICU" Remix (with Justin Timberlake) Won [60]
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) Nominated
2025 Grammy Awards Best R&B Performance "Here We Go (Uh Oh)" Nominated [61]
Best R&B Song Nominated
BET Awards Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Herself Nominated [62]
Best Actress Nominated
2026 Grammy Awards Best R&B Album Why Not More? Pending

References

[edit]

See also

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Coco Jones

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Courtney Michaela Ann "Coco" Jones (born January 4, 1998) is an American and actress known for her work in R&B music and television. Born in , and raised in , she began her career as a child performer, appearing on Disney Channel's So Random! and starring in the 2012 musical film Let It Shine. Jones achieved mainstream breakthrough in music with her 2022 single "ICU" from the EP , which topped Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay chart and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance in 2024. In acting, she portrays Hilary Banks in the Peacock series Bel-Air (2022–present), earning NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Jones's music career, signed to , emphasizes emotive R&B drawing from influences like , with subsequent releases including the 2023 EP That Life and nominations at the 2025 Grammys for "Here We Go (Uh Oh)" in Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song categories. Her trajectory reflects persistence after early fame waned, leading to independent releases before major label resurgence, highlighted by performances at events like the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture. Additional accolades include the 2022 Image Award for Outstanding New Artist and BET Award nominations, underscoring her rising prominence in .

Early Life and Background

Family and Upbringing

Courtney Michaela Ann "Coco" Jones was born on January 4, 1998, in , and raised in , a suburb near Nashville. Her father, Mike Jones, is a former linebacker who played 13 professional seasons, including with the in 1998 and the , before transitioning to coaching. Her mother, Javonda Antenessia Jones, works as a session vocalist and has managed Coco's career, including during her Disney tenure and currently as business manager for Coco Jones Company. The parents, who are divorced, instilled a strong family orientation, with Mike Jones emphasizing closeness in a 2012 interview: "She's always been my baby... We have a very close family." Jones has three siblings: brothers Steven Jones and Mike Jones Jr., the latter a for the who attended and LSU; and sister Aja Jones, a player at . While her siblings pursued athletics mirroring their father's background, Jones gravitated toward music, influenced by her mother's vocal profession. From an early age, Jones displayed musical talent, performing her first stage appearance as a and singing the at one of her father's games. Her parents supported her ambitions, with Javonda protecting her from unfavorable contracts, such as a restrictive deal, as recounted on the R&B Money podcast; Coco later praised her mother in a 2023 PopSugar interview as "the definition of selfless." The family's athletic-musical dynamic and emphasis on perseverance shaped Jones's upbringing, fostering her drive amid a household that prioritized collective time together.

Education and Early Interests

Courtney "Coco" Jones, born on January 4, 1998, in , and raised in , demonstrated an early aptitude for performance, beginning to sing in church during her childhood. Her first public stage appearance occurred at age six, when she performed "" at her graduation ceremony in front of a large of parents. Jones received formal and voice lessons as a child, fostering her musical skills alongside informal practice in church settings. Jones's interests extended to both and from a young age, influenced by multifaceted performers like , whom she admired for balancing music and television roles. By age nine, she had begun recording music, signaling a commitment to songwriting and vocal performance as primary pursuits, though acting opportunities soon emerged. She started auditioning in nearby Nashville for entertainment roles during her pre-teen years, prioritizing a career in the industry over traditional childhood activities. Due to her family's relocations—tied to her father Mike Jones's career, including stints with teams like the —Jones briefly attended schools in , such as Colleyville Middle School and Grapevine High School, before transferring to the performing arts-focused High School for the Visual and in . However, to accommodate her burgeoning audition schedule and performance commitments, she transitioned to , which allowed flexibility for travel and professional development. Jones graduated from high school in 2015, a year ahead of the standard timeline for her age cohort, subsequently relocating to to pursue opportunities full-time. This homeschool approach, while enabling her early entry into the industry, also exposed her to challenges, including attendance at predominantly white schools earlier in her education, which she later described as contributing to feelings of isolation as a young Black performer.

Professional Career

Initial Breakthrough with Disney (2006–2013)

Coco Jones initiated her professional entertainment career with in 2006 at the age of eight, participating in a Radio Disney competition where she gained early recognition for her original song "Real You." This early exposure marked the beginning of her involvement with Disney platforms, though significant breakthroughs occurred later. In 2005, prior to formal Disney commitments, she performed the National Anthem at an event, demonstrating precocious talent, but her Disney trajectory solidified through competitive formats. From 2010 to 2011, Jones featured prominently as a contestant in the third season of 's Next Big Thing (N.B.T.), a talent competition series that showcased aspiring young artists and culminated in opportunities for music releases and further engagements. Her participation in N.B.T. propelled her visibility, leading to her debut single "Holla at Ya Boy," released exclusively on in 2011, which highlighted her R&B-influenced pop style aimed at tween audiences. This competition success facilitated guest appearances on series, including a performance slot on So Random! on July 17, 2011, where she debuted her single "Stand Up" in a musical sketch. Jones's acting profile elevated in 2012 with her starring role as Roxie Simms in the Disney Channel original movie Let It Shine, a musical drama centered on a teen rapper's journey, which premiered on June 15, 2012, and drew over 4 million viewers on its debut night. The film showcased her dual talents in singing and acting, contributing to her breakthrough as a multifaceted performer within Disney's ecosystem. Additional guest spots, such as on Good Luck Charlie, further embedded her in Disney's live-action programming during this period. By 2013, at age 15, she signed with Disney's Hollywood Records and released her debut EP Made Of, featuring tracks like "Made of" and performances at events such as the Radio Disney Music Awards, solidifying her initial commercial foothold before subsequent label transitions.

Independent Struggles and Pivot (2014–2021)

In 2014, Jones was released from her contract with , marking the end of her Disney-affiliated music output and the beginning of an independent phase characterized by limited resources and visibility. She self-released her debut independent single, "Peppermint," via on September 4, 2014, following a lyric video premiere the prior month, but it failed to achieve commercial traction amid a lack of promotional support typically provided by major labels. This period coincided with a broader career slowdown, as Jones encountered rejection in auditions and diminished opportunities in both music and acting, contributing to what she later described as an "involuntary" hiatus spanning roughly eight years from consistent industry engagement. During this hiatus, Jones sustained her music efforts through self-produced content uploaded to platforms like , including covers of R&B tracks and original singles such as "Depressed" on September 3, 2019, which reflected personal themes of emotional turmoil. She navigated financial and professional instability, including periods of frustration and self-doubt, as recounted in a 2020 session where she addressed her post-Disney decline, attributing it to waning industry interest and the challenges of transitioning from child stardom without established networks. pursuits yielded sporadic roles, but music releases remained low-profile, with independent EPs and singles garnering niche fan support rather than mainstream breakthroughs, underscoring the causal difficulties of independent artistry without infrastructure for distribution or . By 2018–2019, Jones pivoted toward a more mature style, diverging from her earlier teen-oriented pop sound to emphasize emotive, lived-experience-driven songwriting and vocal delivery, as evidenced in releases like her 2019 EP H.D.W.Y., which prioritized introspective themes over commercial polish. This shift, informed by personal growth and reflection on prior "immature" work, allowed her to cultivate authenticity amid ongoing struggles, building a dedicated online following through consistent engagement and honing a sound influenced by classic R&B vocalists. The pivot laid groundwork for renewed momentum, though significant label support remained absent until 2021, highlighting how sustained independent experimentation can precede industry re-recognition despite initial obscurity.

Resurgence and Major Label Success (2022–Present)

In 2022, Coco Jones signed with High Standardz and , marking her entry into major label backing after years of independent releases. This partnership facilitated her major label debut EP, , released on November 4, 2022. The project featured seven tracks emphasizing neo-soul and R&B elements, with production contributions from established figures in the genre. The lead single "ICU," released on October 21, 2022, propelled Jones's resurgence, debuting at No. 88 on the and later achieving No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in May 2023. It also reached the top 10 on Adult R&B Airplay and earned platinum certification from the RIAA in August 2024 for one million equivalent units sold in the United States. A deluxe edition of the EP followed on January 20, 2023, adding four bonus tracks including a collaboration with Babyface on "Simple." Building on this momentum, Jones released subsequent singles like "Here We Go (Uh Oh)," which secured her first No. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart in December 2024. Her debut studio album, Why Not More?, arrived on April 25, 2025, via the same label imprint, featuring tracks that sampled classic R&B influences and further showcased her vocal range. The album's release coincided with performances at major events, including the Essence Festival of Culture on July 4, 2025, and “This Christmas” from Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the 2025 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade on December 25, 2025. She is scheduled to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" during the pregame ceremonies at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, underscoring her continued prominence in high-profile events. Jones's commercial gains translated to critical recognition, including a Grammy Award win for Best R&B Performance for "ICU" in 2024, alongside nominations for Best New Artist and three others that year. In 2025, she received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance for "Here We Go (Uh Oh)." She also earned Image Award nominations in 2025 for Outstanding Female Artist and supporting acting roles. These achievements solidified her position as a leading R&B artist, with streaming and airplay data reflecting sustained listener engagement post-2022.

Artistry and Influences

Musical Style and Vocal Abilities

Coco Jones's musical style is rooted in , characterized by sensual vocals layered over hip-hop-influenced beats and rhythmic stylizations that evoke emotional vulnerability and self-expression. Her work blends classic R&B elements with modern production, often exploring themes of romance and through emotive song structures that prioritize vocal delivery over dense instrumentation. This approach positions her as a key figure in R&B's evolution, maintaining genre traditions while adapting to contemporary sounds. Jones possesses a versatile vocal range spanning from B2 to D6, enabling her to navigate low registers with depth and reach high notes with control, often demonstrated in live and studio recordings. Her technique features prominent melismas and runs, where multiple notes are executed fluidly over single syllables, adding agility and expressiveness to her phrasing. This is complemented by a rich with deep tones, forward placement, and subtle , allowing seamless transitions between and head register without strain. Influences such as inform her belting and dynamic control, contributing to a powerful yet nuanced delivery that emphasizes emotional authenticity over technical showmanship. Critics and analysts note her ability to maintain clarity and power across registers, particularly in high-energy shifts, underscoring her technical proficiency in R&B contexts.

Songwriting and Production Approach

Coco Jones' songwriting process begins with emotional triggers from personal experiences, such as relationships or heartbreak, which she captures spontaneously via voice memos or notes in everyday settings like the shower or treadmill before refining them in the studio. In sessions, she prioritizes whichever element—lyrics or melody—feels strongest, emphasizing raw authenticity as the key to effective music, stating that "the most raw and authentic version of whatever you’re doing is going to win." This approach draws from soul influences like , introduced by her mother, and reflects her current life stages, often serving a therapeutic purpose, as with her 2019 EP HDWY, written amid her first breakup to empower listeners. Jones frequently co-writes to collaborate with talented individuals, maintaining significant control over her material even during independent phases post-Disney, where she partnered with various writers to develop original content. On her 2025 debut album Why Not More?, she contributed writing credits to every track, including sole writing responsibility for two songs, demonstrating her deepening in composition amid features from artists like and YG Marley. In production, Jones is self-teaching audio to enable independent recording and has expressed ambitions to construct a professional-grade home studio for greater autonomy. She collaborates with established producers to execute her vision, as seen on Why Not More? with contributions from , , and Jasper Harris, blending elements with nostalgic sampling, such as in tracks echoing past influences while prioritizing her artistic direction.

Critical Reception and Debates

Coco Jones' breakthrough single "ICU" from her 2022 debut EP What I Didn't Tell You earned widespread praise for its emotive exploration of relational push-pull dynamics, with reviewers highlighting Jones' versatile vocal range and the track's clever yet simplistic lyrics that effectively conveyed post-relationship introspection. User-driven aggregators rated the single at 79 out of 100, reflecting appreciation for its replay value and Jones' sultry delivery, though professional critics noted it as a solid modern R&B entry without revolutionary elements. The EP itself drew acclaim for Jones' powerful vocals and raw emotional depth, positioning her as a promising voice in contemporary R&B amid her post-Disney resurgence. Her 2025 debut Why Not More? elicited more divided responses, with outlets commending its cohesive blend of ballads, seductive Trap&B, and Pop&B influences, as well as Jones' luxurious timbre across 14 tracks produced with elements like Timbaland-inspired electro and synths. Aggregated user scores averaged around 80 out of 100, praising catchy melodies and features, but some critiques pointed to unimaginative production and underutilized vocal riffing that failed to push boundaries beyond serviceable R&B fare. Live performances of cuts like "On Sight" and "Here We Go (Uh Oh)" were favorably received for their energy, reinforcing perceptions of Jones as a compelling stage presence. Debates surrounding Jones' reception often center on industry treatment of her image and marketability, particularly allegations of colorism that she claims stalled her post-Disney career from onward, with executives deeming her look insufficiently "sellable" despite her talent. Jones recounted in interviews facing repeated label drops and low engagement during an eight-year hiatus, attributing it to biases favoring lighter-skinned artists in R&B and pop, which she contrasted with her eventual independent breakthroughs via covers. Further contention arose from her sampling Britney Spears' "Toxic" in the album track "Taste," which Jones anticipated might alienate her core R&B audience due to its pop leanings, though it sparked minimal backlash beyond her own concerns over stylistic shifts. These discussions underscore broader toward gatekeeping, with Jones' narrative of perseverance cited as evidence of systemic preferences over merit in artist promotion.

Acting Roles and Performances

Television and Film Appearances

Coco Jones initiated her acting career with guest roles on programming. She appeared as Kelsey in the episode "Kwikki Chick" of the sitcom , which aired on June 6, 2010. Additionally, she featured in multiple sketches on the sketch comedy series So Random!, with episodes broadcast in 2011. Jones achieved her first major acting breakthrough starring as Roxanne "Roxie" Andrews in the Original Movie Let It Shine, released on August 10, 2012. In this musical drama, a contemporary adaptation of Edmond Rostand's centered on hip-hop aspirations in , her character is a confident church singer caught in a . Jones performed three original songs for the soundtrack—"You Learned It from Me," "Let It Shine," and "Joyful"—which peaked on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Kid Digital Songs charts. After departing Disney, Jones pursued roles. She portrayed Ava Moore, one of four siblings navigating family challenges, in the coming-of-age drama Flock of Four, released in 2015. In the ensemble comedy Grandma's House (2016), she played Kimberly, a granddaughter visiting her estranged grandmother during a family crisis precipitated by the patriarch's infidelity. On television, Jones held a recurring role as Jayla, a high school student entangled in a mystery involving her peers' secrets, in the Facebook Watch drama series Five Points across its two seasons from 2018 to 2019. She guest-starred as a character in an episode of the The Exes during its run from 2011 to 2015. Jones expanded into genre film with the role of Rita, a resourceful neighborhood girl aiding friends against vampire gentrifiers, in Netflix's horror-comedy , released on October 2, 2020. She followed with a supporting part as Marcy in the action thriller , which premiered on July 15, 2022, depicting ex-special forces operatives combating drug cartels in the . From 2022 onward, Jones has starred as Hilary Banks in the Peacock drama series Bel-Air, a serialized reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her portrayal depicts Hilary as a driven media mogul-in-training navigating family dynamics and personal ambitions in contemporary Los Angeles; the series debuted on February 13, 2022, and has aired three seasons as of 2024.

Stage and Live Acting

Jones portrayed Jane, a key romantic interest, in the world premiere of A Bronx Tale: The Musical at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, in 2016. The musical, adapted from Chazz Palminteri's 1993 film and its one-man stage play, incorporated a score by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater, alongside book elements drawn from the original screenplay. Directed by Jerry Zaks, the production ran from February 14 to March 20, 2016, marking an early expansion of Jones's acting portfolio beyond screen roles during her Disney era transition. Her performance as Jane, a character navigating interracial dynamics in 1960s Bronx, highlighted her vocal and dramatic range in a regional theater setting, though the show did not transfer to Broadway. Beyond this production, Jones has not undertaken additional professional stage acting roles, with her live performance emphasis shifting toward musical tours and televised specials integrating singing and narrative elements. Early training included participation in local theater during her pre-Disney years in Tennessee, but no credited productions from that period have been documented in professional records. This limited stage experience underscores her primary focus on television and film acting, where she has garnered more extensive credits post-2016.

Personal Life

Relationships and Engagement

Coco Jones became engaged to NBA player on July 11, 2025, after approximately two years of dating. The couple, who met in 2023, maintained a low public profile throughout their relationship, with Jones occasionally sharing subtle social media hints but avoiding explicit confirmations until the engagement announcement. Mitchell, a guard for the , proposed during an oceanfront setting, as depicted in photos shared by Jones on showing her with the . In a joint statement to People magazine, Jones and Mitchell expressed their commitment, stating they looked forward to building a future together while appreciating the support from fans. Mitchell later described the engagement as a "blessing" in interviews, noting that Jones "brings me peace" amid his professional demands. The ring, featuring a large diamond, was prominently displayed in subsequent photos, including Jones's promotional campaign for Laneige skincare in September 2025. Prior to her relationship with Mitchell, Jones has not publicly confirmed any long-term romantic partnerships, consistent with her emphasis on privacy in personal matters. Rumors of earlier links, such as with co-stars from her acting projects, remain unverified and unsubstantiated by direct statements from Jones. The couple's dynamic has been portrayed in media as grounded in mutual support, with Mitchell attending Jones's performances and Jones supporting his career, though details beyond the engagement announcement are limited due to their deliberate discretion.

Public Persona and Values

Coco Jones has cultivated a public centered on Christian as a guiding force amid the challenges of the entertainment industry. In interviews, she has described her relationship with as essential for preserving personal integrity in an environment she refers to as "," emphasizing how it helps her remain authentic despite external pressures. She frequently advocates for and discernment, advising fans to trust divine guidance for clarity in . Her values reflect a commitment to inspiration and self-approval rooted in spiritual principles rather than secular affirmations alone. Jones has shared how speaking positively about herself aligned with broader life improvements, incorporating affirmations like "I love and approve of myself" while framing as attainable through and effort. Publicly, she promotes manifesting goals without limiting self-perception, urging others to question insecurities about appearance or achievement. This approach extends to her role as a for dark-skinned , where she expresses a desire to inspire resilience against industry barriers. Jones maintains privacy in personal matters like relationships, selectively sharing only what aligns with her truth through music and controlled interviews, avoiding oversharing to protect her boundaries. Her social media posts, such as Easter messages affirming "Jesus is the reason for the season," underscore a consistent emphasis on religious observance over commercialized holidays. While she engages in discussions on cultural topics like celebrity endorsements, she has not publicly aligned with partisan politics, focusing instead on personal and professional growth.

Awards, Nominations, and Recognition

Grammy Achievements

Coco Jones received her first Grammy Award at the on February 4, 2024, winning in the category of Best R&B Performance for the single "ICU," from her EP What I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe). This victory marked her breakthrough recognition in the following the track's release in November 2022, which peaked at number 45 on the chart. At the same 2024 ceremony, Jones earned four additional nominations, including Best New Artist, Best R&B Album for What I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe), and Best R&B Song for "ICU," though she did not win in those categories. For the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, Jones secured two nominations: Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance for "Here We Go (Uh Oh)," released in 2024 as part of her debut studio album promotions, but received no further wins. As of October 2025, her overall Grammy record stands at one win and seven nominations across these cycles.
YearCategoryWorkOutcome
2024Best R&B Performance"ICU"Won
2024Best New ArtistN/ANominated
2024Best R&B AlbumWhat I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe)Nominated
2024Best R&B Song"ICU"Nominated
2025Best R&B Song"Here We Go (Uh Oh)"Nominated
2025Best R&B Performance"Here We Go (Uh Oh)"Nominated

Other Honors and Industry Accolades

Coco Jones won the Best New Artist award at the , held on June 25, recognizing her breakout with the single "ICU" and EP . She received the same honor at the 2023 BET Soul Train Awards on November 26, further affirming her emergence in R&B. Jones has also secured wins at the , as noted in her official biography, highlighting contributions across music and . In 2025, Jones garnered multiple Image Award nominations, including Outstanding Female Artist, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series for Bel-Air, and others tied to her musical releases. She earned Award nominations in subsequent years, such as in 2024 for her television work. These recognitions underscore her versatility, though mainstream media coverage has occasionally emphasized her origins over independent breakthroughs, per industry observers.

Works

Discography

Coco Jones's discography encompasses one studio album, multiple extended plays, and various singles, spanning independent and major-label releases from 2010 to 2025. Her early work under included pop-influenced projects, while later efforts shifted toward contemporary R&B following her 2022 signing with High Standardz/. The EP marked her commercial resurgence, driven by the platinum-certified single "ICU," and culminated in her debut studio album Why Not More? in 2025.

Studio albums

TitleRelease dateLabel
Why Not More?April 25, 2025Def Jam Recordings
Why Not More? (Deluxe)August 15, 2025Def Jam Recordings

Extended plays

  • Made Of (March 12, 2013; Hollywood Records), her debut EP, featured pop and hip-hop elements and was distributed exclusively through Walmart.
  • Let Me Check It (November 17, 2017; independent release).
  • H.D.W.Y. (September 16, 2019; independent release).
  • What I Didn't Tell You (November 4, 2022; High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings), containing seven tracks including "Caliber" and "Double Back." A deluxe edition with four additional songs followed on January 20, 2023.

Notable singles

Jones has released over 20 singles, with several achieving R&B chart success. "ICU," released October 21, 2022, as the lead single from , topped the Adult R&B Airplay chart, earned a Grammy for Best R&B Performance in 2024, and received RIAA platinum certification for one million units sold on August 13, 2024. Later singles include "Here We Go (Uh Oh)" (2024; ), certified gold by the RIAA, "Sweep It Up" (2024), and "" from Why Not More?.

Tours and Live Performances

Coco Jones initiated her live performance career with the UBU-Stop the Bullying tour in 2010, a promotional series tied to her debut EP Coco Jones, focused on anti- and targeting youth audiences such as schools and community centers. The tour included stops like a performance at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena on November 11, 2010, emphasizing messages of amid her early exposure. Following her Disney tenure, Jones' live appearances shifted to festival slots and supporting roles, reflecting her transitional phase in the music industry. Notable early post-Disney performances included appearances at events like the Picnic on June 3-4, 2023, in . She also performed at the Cincinnati Music Festival on July 27, 2024, alongside acts such as and . These engagements showcased her growing R&B presence without dedicated headlining tours at the time. In 2025, Jones launched her first major headlining tour, the Why Not More? Tour, announced on February 25, supporting her album of the same name, with special guests Lady London and TA Thomas. The tour featured European dates including Ancienne Belgique in Brussels on September 12 and Roundhouse in London on September 19, where setlists highlighted tracks like "Taste," "On Sight," "Hit You Where It Hurts," and medleys from her catalog, averaging about 67 minutes per show. Additional U.S. stops included Columbus, Ohio, on May 19 with Lady London. Concurrently, she served as a special guest on select dates of Brandy and Monica's The Boy Is Mine Tour, announced August 27, including performances in Nashville on October 24, Chicago on October 25, and Kansas City on October 26. Jones has also delivered standout festival performances, such as at the Essence Festival of Culture on July 4, 2025, at the in New Orleans, where she earned praise for her vocal delivery and energy during a set that included tracks from Why Not More?. On January 9, 2026, she performed NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, featuring the songs "You", "Double Back", "On Sight", "Taste", "Here We Go (Uh Oh)", and "ICU". These live outings underscore her evolution from niche youth-oriented shows to arena-level R&B billing, prioritizing emotive song delivery and audience engagement in her sets.

References

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