JoJo Siwa, Bette Davis Eyes | COVERS

In the 23rd edition of COVERS (2025), JoJo delivers a critically panned rendition of “Bette Davis Eyes,” popularized by Kim Carnes.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 23^rd  edition of COVERS (2025), JoJo delivers a critically panned rendition of “Bette Davis Eyes,” popularized by Kim Carnes.

@itsjojosiwa

Bette Davis Eyes is out now everywhere you listen to music🤍✨ Thank you for the love on the song, I can’t believe it hit #1 on the charts in the U.K.🥹 that is absolutely crazy. Thank you so very much. I see the support and I appreciate you all🤍

♬ Bette Davis Eyes – JoJo Siwa

Sometimes, it’s best to let classics be classics. Someone should’ve advised JoJo Siwa of this.  But, the polarizing media personality decided to cover “Bette Davis Eyes”. “Bette Davis Eyes” is a quintessential 1980s song, popularized by Kim Carnes, and originally recorded by one of its songwriters, Jackie DeShannon ( Donna Weiss is the other songwriter). This number one hit went on to earn Grammys for Record and Song of the Year at the 24^th Annual Grammy Awards.  What I’m saying is, Siwa had huge shoes to fill.  She didn’t make the landing, unfortunately.

Carnes’ definitive version features her distinct, raspy vocals.  It is a playful, novel performance. JoJo Siwa also brings the rasp and playfulness to “Bette Davis Eyes.” A lot of rasp… too much rasp… Her vocals are incredibly coarse, and the pitch is imperfect.  The musical backdrop is updated for the 2020s, as expected.  It still features the familiar riffs of the ‘80s version.  The modernized production isn’t enough to save Siwa’s cover.  The song doesn’t suit her, in my opinion. It is tough to cover such a popular song, something JoJo has discovered with the widespread criticism she’s received. Do people love to hate on her? Yes. Was the criticism for “Bette Davis Eyes” warranted? Also, yes.  One source of criticism was Kim Carnes, who told TMZ, “The phrasing, the tone, even the little inflections—it all felt a bit too close.” I agree to an extent, Ms. Carnes, but without a doubt, you sang it better.

@thekylethorn

Bette Davis Eyes ✨ #fyp #jojosiwa

♬ original sound – thekylethorn

@missfiercalicious

Fabulicious eyes 🥹 #jojosiwa #bettedaviseyes

♬ original sound – Miss Fiercalicious