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Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

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In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...

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The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...

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Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

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Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

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The TikTok-UMG Standoff: A Battle Over Music Rights and Its Ripple Effects

March 10, 2024

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...

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Jimin's Historic Billboard Hot 100 Triumph: Elevating K-Pop to New Heights on the Global Stage

March 7, 2024

lmost one year ago, BTS's Jimin etched his name in the hall of music history by becoming the first South Korean soloist to clinch the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with his hit single..

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The Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

March 6, 2024

the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software...

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"Laufey: Bridging Generations with Jazz's New Groove"

March 1, 2024

In an era where pop and electronic music dominate the charts, Icelandic singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has emerged as an unexpected champion of jazz for Gen Z listeners...

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The K-Pop Wave Continues: March 2024's Exciting Comebacks and Anticipated Debuts

February 29, 2024

March 2024 is set to be an exhilarating month for K-Pop fans around the globe, with a lineup that promises both the return of beloved artists and the introduction of fresh faces to the music scene....

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Beyoncé Embarks on a New Journey with "Renaissance" Act II

February 28, 2024

This time, the buzz is all about her latest musical venture—a dive into country music with her new album "Renaissance" Act II. Announced during a Super Bowl for Verizon, the album marks a ....

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The Weight Behind the Power of Aretha Franklin's "Respect"

February 24, 2024

‍In the annals of music history, songs that have sparked as much cultural resonance and transformation as Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Respect" are unique to say the least. Originally written....

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JoJo Siwa’s ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ Cover Sparked Drama; Original Singer Responds

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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.

The Controversy Unfolded

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 Fallout Online

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.

Why does it all matter?

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.

Final Take

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.

JoJo Siwa’s ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ Cover Sparked Drama; Original Singer Respondsjojo-siwas-bette-davis-eyes-cover-sparked-drama-original-singer-respondsLienor KatasAug 15, 2025One 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...