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.
@pinknews Kim Carnes is clarifying her stance on JoJo Siwa’s viral ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ cover. She tells TMZ it “felt a bit too close” to her original, and touched a personal nerve. The singer told the outlet: “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 inflections—it all felt a bit too close.” She added: “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. That kind of behavior doesn’t belong in music, or anywhere.” While shutting down online hate Kim also stressed the importance of protecting her vocal legacy: “These days, our voice is one of the few things we truly own.” #kimcarnes #bettedaviseyes #jojosiwa #musiccover #tmz #lgbtqia