JoJo Siwa Faces Backlash for Controversial Bette Davis Eyes Cover

JoJo Siwa has sparked significant controversy with her recent cover of Kim Carnes' 1981 hit "Bette Davis Eyes," which features a raspy vocal style and a 1950s housewife aesthetic diverging from her usual vibrant persona. The cover, previewed on TikTok and released for streaming in July 2025, has been met with widespread backlash from listeners and critics alike, including harsh comments about her vocal performance and alleged autotune use. Even Kim Carnes herself appeared to criticize Siwa's version on social media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in music. The viral attention was further fueled by Siwa's earlier live performances where she altered the lyrics to reference her then-boyfriend Chris Hughes, intensifying public scrutiny. Despite the negative reception, Siwa remains unapologetic and continues to embrace her rebrand and musical choices, which some interpret as intentionally provocative and designed to generate strong reactions online. This episode reflects broader trends in digital culture where spectacle and shareability often outweigh traditional notions of musical quality.