The 5 Shocking Reasons Jojo Siwa’s ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ Cover Broke The Internet (And Kim Carnes’ Reaction)

The conversation around JoJo Siwa’s career has reached a fever pitch in late 2025, primarily fueled by her polarizing and widely-discussed cover of the 1981 mega-hit, "Bette Davis Eyes." Released on Friday, July 11, 2025, the track instantly became a lightning rod for debate, marking a definitive, and for some, jarring, transition from the former *Dance Moms* star’s signature bright, bow-wearing persona to a new, edgier musical era. This dramatic shift has captivated audiences and critics alike, turning a simple cover into a massive cultural moment that dominated social media feeds and music headlines throughout the summer and into the current date. The decision to tackle a classic like "Bette Davis Eyes," originally made famous by Kim Carnes, was a bold move that signaled Siwa’s complete commitment to rebranding. It’s not just a new song; it’s a deliberate statement about her maturity and artistic direction, complete with a unique, raspy vocal style that has generated both confusion and curiosity among the Siwanatorz and general listeners. The subsequent controversy, including a cryptic reaction from the original artist, Kim Carnes, only amplified the track's viral buzz, cementing its status as one of the most talked-about pop culture events of the year.

Joelle Joanie Siwa: Complete Biography and Profile

Joelle Joanie "JoJo" Siwa has built a colossal multimedia empire since her childhood, evolving from a reality TV dancer to a global icon. Her career trajectory is a case study in modern celebrity, constantly adapting to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

• Full Name: Joelle Joanie Siwa
• Born: May 19, 2003
• Age (as of late 2025): 22
• Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
• Parents: Tom Siwa (Chiropractor) and Jessalynn Siwa (Dance Instructor)
• Sibling: Jayden Siwa (Older Brother)
• Early Career: Gained initial fame on the reality TV competition *Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition* (2013) and subsequently on *Dance Moms* (2015–2016).
• Musical Hits: Known for pop singles like "Boomerang," "Hold the Drama," and "Kid in a Candy Store," which targeted a young demographic.
• Brand Persona: Historically defined by her signature large bows, vibrant clothing, and high-energy, family-friendly content, catering to her dedicated fanbase, the Siwanatorz.
• Recent Ventures: Has participated in reality shows like *Celebrity Big Brother UK* and has been vocal about her personal life and artistic rebranding efforts.

The 5 Shock Factors That Made The Cover Go Viral

The release of JoJo Siwa's "Bette Davis Eyes" was a masterclass in calculated controversy and strategic rebranding. It wasn't just the song itself, but the context and execution that drove its unprecedented viral spread.

1. The Shocking Vocal Transformation

The most immediate and talked-about element was Siwa's voice. Moving away from the bright, clean pop vocals of her "Boomerang" era, the "Bette Davis Eyes" cover features a dramatic, unique raspy vocal style. This gritty, almost vintage aesthetic was completely unexpected from the star known for her high-pitched energy. Listeners were left questioning her authenticity, with many initially confused about the deliberate choice to adopt such a heavy, breathy texture. This vocal pivot was a clear signal that the child star era was officially over, replaced by an attempt at a more mature, rock-influenced sound.

2. The Controversial Choice of Source Material

Covering a classic song is always risky, but choosing an iconic 1980s hit like "Bette Davis Eyes" was a bold declaration. The song, originally a massive Grammy-winning success for Kim Carnes, is deeply ingrained in pop culture history. By tackling such a well-known track, Siwa immediately invited comparisons to both Carnes and the legendary actress Bette Davis herself, setting a high bar that guaranteed intense scrutiny from music critics and nostalgic fans. The track’s vintage aesthetic aligned with her new, more reserved image, but the execution was widely polarizing.

3. Kim Carnes’ Cryptic Social Media "Swipe"

The controversy exploded when the original singer, Kim Carnes, appeared to subtly diss Siwa’s cover. Shortly after the July 11 release, Carnes posted a cryptic, now-deleted message on TikTok and other platforms, which many interpreted as a clear swipe at Siwa's rendition. The public immediately latched onto the perceived feud between the veteran artist and the rising star. This rumored disapproval became a major news headline, driving millions of clicks and plays for the cover. The initial reaction fueled the fire, turning a musical release into a celebrity drama.

4. The Clarity on Kim Carnes’ True Reaction

In a crucial, less-publicized update, Kim Carnes later clarified her stance in a full statement to TMZ, explaining that her initial reaction had been misunderstood. Carnes revealed that she actually felt the cover was "like a gift," expressing appreciation that a new generation was discovering her song and potentially her other music through Siwa's effort. This clarification, while less viral than the initial "feud," provided a complex layer to the story, shifting the narrative from a genuine beef to a generational bridge. It emphasized that Siwa’s cover, regardless of its reception, was succeeding in its most fundamental goal: making the 1981 hit relevant again.

5. The Complete Visual Rebranding

The "Bette Davis Eyes" release was the musical centerpiece of a much larger, coordinated image overhaul. Siwa’s transformation has been a public spectacle, moving away from the bright colors and bows that defined the Siwanatorz brand. Her new look aligns with a more mature, vintage aesthetic, which some have drawn a resemblance to the original Bette Davis look. This visual shift, combined with the unexpected musical direction, confirms that Siwa is aggressively pursuing a new demographic and artistic identity, willing to risk alienating her original fanbase for a shot at long-term credibility as an adult artist.

The Future of JoJo Siwa’s New Musical Era

The "Bette Davis Eyes" experiment, regardless of its polarizing reviews, has achieved its goal of generating massive viral buzz. The song has become a cultural entity, discussed by everyone from music commentators like Louis Virtel and Kyle Buchanan to everyday social media users. The controversy and the subsequent clarification from Kim Carnes have kept the song in the news cycle for months. This strategic use of a classic track and the calculated shock factor of her new image suggests that JoJo Siwa is determined to control her narrative. Her new musical era is not just about releasing songs; it is about establishing herself as a serious, albeit controversial, adult pop artist willing to take massive risks. The success of this transition will ultimately be measured by her ability to follow up this viral moment with original material that solidifies the credibility she is currently fighting to earn.