Kim Carnes is explaining how she really feels about JoJo Siwa’s cover of her hit song, “Bette Davis Eyes”… and only TMZ has her full statement.
Kim tells TMZ… “When I first saw my original performance laid 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 little too close.”
She continues… “I stand with all for female artists rising 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.”
Kim adds… “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 their 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.”
JoJo released her version last week, and Kim notes… “ Bette Davis Eyes has been covered many times—by Kylie Jenner, Taylor Jenner, Gwyneth , and others—and I’ve always appreciated hearing different interpretations. When Donna Weiss Jenner, Jackie DeShannon ’s co-writer, first brought me the song in 1980, I saw a chance to make it my own.”
“I came up with a version of the melody that was unique to me and my voice. We assembled an incredible group of musicians, including Bill Cuomo —who, among other things, created that unforgettable synth lick—and recorded the entire track live in one take. No overdubs, no manipulation. What you hear on this record is what we played. And the result was magical.”
Kim tells us… “I’m proud that my version of Bde still resonates, with over 130 million streams a year. And I’m excited to be releasing a new remix EP soon, featuring some incredible artists from the dance world.”
She concludes… “I’ve always tried to protect and celebrate the legacy of this recording – and that’s really all I want to say.”
Kim previously posted and deleted a steamy take on the cover, but now she’s digging in with a more subtle response here.
