Kim Carnes has reacted to JoJo Siwa‘s cover of ‘Bette Davis Eyes’.
Siwa released her version of the hit on Friday (July 11), after covering it at multiple live shows this year.
Now, Carnes – who popularised the song with her 1981 version – has weighed in on Siwa’s take.
Sharing a clip of the original music video earlier this week, in a since-deleted TikTok, Carnes seemed to dismiss the cover, writing: “There is a difference between singing a song…. And embodying it….”
She went on to add: I’ve always believed authenticity is what makes music timeless. I’m forever grateful to be the voice behind this one. … Bette Davis Eyes.”
Cackling that Kim Carnes hates Jojo S*wa’s cover pic.twitter.com/xDPbzI03jH
— harry (@Hausofharri) July 13, 2025
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It’s worth noting that Carnes’ version was also a cover, with Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss writing the song in 1974.
Her 1981 release spent nine non-consecutive weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and won the 1982 Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
The classic hit has seen a resurgence among Gen-Z fans lately, with Ethel Cain covering the track during recent live shows, and even calling her recent single ‘Fuck Me Eyes’ an “homage” to the song, which she said is “one of my favorite pop songs of all time”.
In other Siwa news, in March, she came under controversy for charging fans $900 (£696) to “help” her set up the show for her North American tour via a VIP ticket package.
Siwa explained: “You are actually going to get to come during while we’re loading in the show, and you’re gonna get to kind of help us set it up and make sure things are right and test out the drum with me or the DJ booth with me.”
However, the artist has faced some criticism for asking fans to “basically pay to work” at the concerts (via The Independent). Another person wrote: “If I’m helping you set up then I should be getting in for free Lmaoo!!!”
Last September, the Polish Eurovision committee denied Siwa’s claims that she was “in talks” to represent the country at the 2025 song contest – which took place in Basel, Switzerland this May.
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