Kim Carnes Appears to Subtly Criticize JoJo Siwa’s Cover of “Bette Davis Eyes”
Imitation might not be the sincerest form of flattery—at least not for Kim Carnes.
Following JoJo Siwa’s release of her rendition of the 1981 hit “Bette Davis Eyes,” original singer Kim Carnes shared what many interpreted as a veiled critique of the new version.
In a now-deleted TikTok posted on July 9, Carnes shared a clip from her original music video, where she performs in a black suit and sunglasses inside a bare warehouse. Alongside the video, the 79-year-old wrote a pointed message about musical authenticity.
“There is a difference between singing a song… and embodying it…” she commented. “I’ve always believed authenticity is what makes music timeless.”
She added, “I’m forever grateful to be the voice behind this one… Bette Davis Eyes.”
Though Carnes didn’t directly name Siwa, her remarks came just two days after the Dance Moms alum released a teaser of her own “Bette Davis Eyes” cover—one that quickly gained traction online, sparking speculation that Carnes was subtly throwing shade.
