.png)
November 18, 2024
SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, is now one of the most vocal and well-known figures in modern R&B. With her distinctive sound and intelligent poetry, SZA’s musical career has been both dynamic and...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
After a seven-year hiatus, Linkin Park is back, and they’ve hit the proverbial reset button with their highly anticipated new album. Known for their ability to evolve while staying true to their...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
In 2023, acclaimed record producer Metro Boomin ventured into the cinematic realm by curating the soundtrack for *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse*. This collaboration resulted in a dynamic...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
British rapper Dave, born David Orobosa Omoregie, has carved a unique space for himself in the music world through his profound storytelling and introspective lyricism. Known for tackling complex...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
One year ago, SZA released her debut album, *Ctrl*, and its influence on music—particularly R&B—has only grown since. For many listeners, it was the soundtrack to the summer of 2017, and it’s safe...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
Doja Cat has done it again, sending her fans into a frenzy by seemingly dropping the tracklist for her upcoming album. The cryptic reveal, shared across her social media platforms, has fans buzzing...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
Few artists in the modern music industry have managed to stay as relevant and influential as Kanye West. Since the release of his debut album, The College Dropout, in 2004, Kanye has continuously...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
Since her debut album, *True Romance*, in 2013, Charli XCX has been reshaping the world of pop, setting herself apart with her daring, synth-driven sound and unconventional style. Early on, her...
Read more.png)
November 18, 2024
Harry Styles has become one of the most captivating performers of this generation, and his last tour, “Love on Tour,” was a testament to his evolution from boy band member to solo superstar...
Read more.png)
November 14, 2024
In the changing landscape of hip-hop, few producers have done more than Metro Boomin. His signature sound and sonic innovation have made him not only the most popular star in the industry but has...
Read more.png)
November 14, 2024
Few artists capture life’s rawest emotions like Adele. From her breakout album “19” to her latest release “30,” her music has consistently resonated with listeners, offering comfort and strength...
Read more.png)
November 14, 2024
As their first UK tour since 2018 quickly approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey and lasting impact of one of the UK’s most cherished bands: Arctic Monkeys...
Read more
One of the most talked-about musical moments of the summer is JoJo Siwa's recent rendition of the 1981 classic "Bette Davis Eyes." On July 11, she shared her retro-style rendition, sparking intense online reactions. The song's original singer, Kim Carnes, even responded nuancedly.
JoJo Siwa's studio version of "Bette Davis Eyes," which has a throwback Hollywood vibe, was released on July 11. Wearing a cropped blonde wig and a gingham gown, she captioned the photo, "'Bette Davis Eyes' cover out now, stream everywhere you listen to music." Inspired by her electrifying live performance in London, she presented it as a celebration of confidence and mystery.
But the response was swift, and mostly harsh. Her autotune use, raspy voice, and general quality were criticized by many listeners. While one commenter criticized her for deviating from her signature ponytail, another said it sounded like an "anti-smoking campaign."
Then Kim Carnes replied. She hinted at displeasure in a now-deleted TikTok tweet, stating, “There is a difference between singing a song... and embodying it... authenticity is what makes music timeless.”
Later, in the American news outlet,TMZ, she stated:
“The phrasing, the tone, even the little inflections; it all felt a bit too close.” She also stressed that personal attacks are unacceptable, even while asserting her right to speak about how closely Siwa’s version resembled.
The moment ignited a heated debate. On Reddit, one user said:
“Kim didn’t write the song; but she made it famous. She has a claim.” Another wondered aloud why fans obsess over JoJo so much.
Meanwhile, commentary writers labeled the release “bold” yet cringe-worthy, noting the shift in Siwa’s image and sound.
This isn't just a cover; it's a component of a larger rebranding, in between her new song "Raspy," (a self-aware clapback to her critics)s, and her evolving appearance.
Musical covers must strike a balance between authenticity and tribute. If they sound too close, they risk being perceived as blatant imitation, but if they sound too different, they risk offending listeners of the original song.
Reinvention vs Legacy Legacy performers, such as Kim Carnes, who is well known for her 1981 hit song "Bette Davis Eyes," have a particular sound that defines their personal brand. A cover that is too similar to that style may elicit strong, emotional responses.
Internet Culture Clash: A real-time generational and stylistic clash is taking place on social media as JoJo Siwa's online, meme-literate fanbase and Carnes' classic pop legacy collide.
JoJo Siwa's cover of "Bette Davis Eyes" was more than simply another release. It was a cultural moment, nostalgic galore, and generational musical differences. Kim Carnes' measured response and fan backlash demonstrate how deeply personal a musical legacy can be and how quickly it may become viral.
.png)
