Kim Carnes says JoJo Siwa’s ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ cover is ‘a bit too close’ to original
Kim Carnes has spoken out on JoJo Siwa’s cover of her track, “Bette Davis Eyes”. (Getty Images)
Kim Carnes has spoken out on JoJo Siwa's cover of her track, "Bette Davis Eyes". (Getty Images)
Kim Carnes has spoken out about JoJo Siwa’s cover of her 1981 hit, “Bette Davis Eyes”, and she thinks it’s “a bit too close” to the original.
Last week, the former Dance Moms star released her cover of Carnes’ synth-pop track, doubling down on her 1950s housewife-era look in a multitude of teaser videos for the single.
The opening of Siwa’s version does stay true to the synth-pop sound made famous by songwriters and composers Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon in the original track. However, her cover has been criticised for her vocals “being at odds with the heartless” autotune and over-commercialised pop production.
Singer-songwriter Carnes has since responded to Siwa’s cover, arguing that it’s “a bit too close” for comfort.
“When I first saw my original performance placed side-by-side—and then layered on top of—a new version of ‘Bette Davis Eyes,’ I can only speak to how it initially struck me. The phrasing, the tone, even the little inflexions—it all felt a bit too close,” she told TMZ.
However, Carnes noted that the hate Siwa has been thrown online as a result of releasing the cover “doesn’t belong in music, or anywhere”.
“I’m all for female artists lifting each other up. This business can be brutal, and I strongly reject the kind of hate and personal attacks I’ve seen online—whether directed at me, JoJo Siwa, or anyone else.
“At the same time, I believe artists have the right to speak openly about how something makes them feel—especially when it’s as personal as your voice. These days, our voice is one of the few things we truly own. So when it feels like your voice is being borrowed, it strikes a deeply personal chord.”
Carnes previously deleted a post on social media, which also appeared to weigh in on Siwa’s cover. It read: “There is a difference between singing a song… And embodying it… I’ve always believed authenticity is what makes music timeless.
“I’m forever grateful to be the voice behind this one… “Bette Davis Eyes.”
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