If you have little ones under the age of 10, chances are they know Emma as the Yellow Wiggle. Since stepping into the role from the original Wiggle, Greg Page, in 2013, Emma Thompson has transformed the dynamic of this beloved Australian group, inspiring countless young girls along the way. After nine years of donning the yellow skivvy, Emma is passing the torch to a new star, Maya Johnson, who is already making waves of her own.
At just 15 years old, Maya has the honor of being the very first Black woman to take on the role of a core member of The Wiggles. This talented teen is not just a Wiggle; she’s also an award-winning dancer who represented Australia in the World Latin Dance Championships, holding eleven Australian titles and four world titles in Latin and Commercial Dance. She’s even the reigning Australian and World Youth Ladies Salsa and Urban Latin Champion!
My son, who is eight now, has been a huge fan of The Wiggles since he was a toddler. Emma has always been the Yellow Wiggle in his eyes. We’ve been to several concerts together, and each one is a delightful experience for both kids and their parents. Emma’s influence on the fans is undeniable—at concerts, you’ll see countless kids dressed in her signature yellow tops and black skirts, complete with bows that could rival JoJo Siwa’s.
“It’s a mix of emotions,” Emma shared when I asked how she feels about this transition. “I’m sad for the fans who’ve grown up with me over the past decade, but I’m also excited to take the lessons I’ve learned into my next chapter.”
Both mothers and daughters enjoy dressing up like Emma for the shows, and she receives heaps of fan mail during concerts. While young boys adore her too, Emma’s impact on young girls is especially noteworthy. And Maya is one of those fans. She recalls dancing around the house as a kid while her mom played The Wiggles, long before Emma took on the yellow skivvy.
“Emma has been such an inspiration,” Maya said with enthusiasm. “It’s a huge responsibility to fill her shoes, but I can’t wait for this opportunity.”
Maya has been part of The Wiggles crew since 2020, joining during a time when the group was actively seeking to diversify. Her debut was in the “We’re All Fruit Salad” video, and she later became a part of the group’s “Fruit Salad TV.” When Emma decided to explore new avenues, Maya was the clear choice for the role, and interestingly enough, both women learned about the transition at the same time!
Blue Wiggle Anthony Feld expressed excitement about welcoming Maya: “As The Wiggles evolve, we’re thrilled to bring Maya into the yellow skivvy. Parents and kids alike will love her infectious energy and charm, just as our audiences have.”
As a Black mother, it’s heartening to see The Wiggles embracing diversity. There’s a rich tapestry of communities of color in Australia, and even though Maya has Ethiopian heritage, her representation is crucial. She understands the significance of her new role and doesn’t take it lightly.
“I’ve received messages from kids saying, ‘This girl looks like me! I can be like her!’ That’s the impact I wanted to make,” Maya shared.
Representation matters, and while many talk about it, few actually take meaningful steps toward inclusivity. The Wiggles, as one of the most popular children’s entertainment groups, understand their influence and the positive impact they can have on their young audience. With Maya stepping in, a new generation of girls now has someone to look up to—someone who looks like them, not a cartoon character but a real young woman. They might not grasp its significance immediately, but as they grow, they’ll come to appreciate it—and their parents certainly understand it now.
As for Emma? She’s not entirely sure what her next adventure holds after passing on the yellow skivvy, but she has plans to finish her Ph.D. and continue educating Australia about Auslan, the Australian sign language. Regardless of her next steps, she feels confident that the role is in capable hands.
“I remember when I took over the yellow costume from Greg, so it’s a new chapter for everyone involved,” Emma explained. “I’m thrilled to introduce Maya; she’s been a joy to work with over the years. We’re so lucky to have her!”
Maya officially takes on the Yellow Wiggle role next year during The Wiggles’ tour, and we’re all hoping they’ll return to North America soon!
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Summary
Maya Johnson, at just 15 years old, is taking over as the new Yellow Wiggle, making history as the first Black woman in this role. Emma Thompson, who has inspired countless children as the previous Yellow Wiggle, expresses mixed emotions about passing the torch but is excited for Maya’s future contributions. As The Wiggles embrace diversity, they provide representation that will impact young audiences for years to come.
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