JoJo Siwa has put her own spin on Kim Carnes’ song “Bette Davis Eyes,” and the internet has a lot to say about it.
On July 10, the singer announced that her cover of the ‘80s track would be released for streaming at midnight, which she indeed did.
The “Dance Moms” alum began teasing the song’s release on July 8 when posted a clip of herself singing it on TikTok, dressed in a 1950’s style outfit and new blond hairdo.
She posted a second clip of the cover again a day later, testing the waters for a potential release of the song.
“Thinking about releasing it this Friday, but still unsure. Sharing a lil bit of verse 1 today to see if you think I should or not!:)” the “Karma” singer captioned the second post.
While Siwa is releasing the cover for streaming, she has already performed the song live.
In May, the “Boomerang” singer covered the song at Tecate Emblema music festival in Mexico. She also included the track on her setlist of the London stop of her UK tour.
At both performances, Siwa changed the lyrics of the song to “Chris Hughes’ eyes” in reference to her boyfriend, “Love Island” contestant Chris Hughes, whom she met while competing on the 2025 season of “Celebrity Big Brother UK.”
The pair’s relationship came as a surprise to fans, as Siwa, who was dating Australian podcast host Kath Ebbs when she left for “Big Brother,” came out as a lesbian in 2021. She later said she was “technically pansexual” and on “Big Brother,” said she identified more as “queer.”
Siwa’s cover of the song has sparked controversy among listeners, who turned to the comments to criticize the singer’s raspy rendition of the track.
“Don’t release it! Hope that helps,” one user commented on Siwa’s TikTok.
“jojo siwa threatens to release new music,” added another.
But, some fans jumped in to defend the star.
“the hate is super forced, this sounds good,” one fan commented.
Another made a TikTok that said, “The Jojo Siwa hate for this song is so unnecessary.”
Why “Bette Davis Eyes”? Why now? Here’s what to know about the song’s origin story and where Siwa fits in.
What is the meaning behind ‘Bette Davis Eyes?’
“Bette Davis Eyes,” which was co-written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss, was recorded by Kim Carnes and released in 1981.
The song references American actor Bette Davis, known for her legendary career and image as a Hollywood star through films such as “All About Eve” (1950), “Now, Voyager” (1942) and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962). Davis was about 73 when the song came out.
A hit both on the charts and critically, the song won Grammy Awards for song of the year and record of the year in 1982, and even gained approval from Davis herself, DeShannon told The Tennessean.
Since then, the song has been reinterpreted by many different artists since its release. For example, the track was covered by Taylor Swift in 2011, Kylie Minogue in 2014 and Ethel Cain earlier this year. Oh, and Gwyneth Paltrow sang in the movie “Duets.”
But what is “Bette Davis Eyes” about, exactly? The song’s lyrics pay homage to someone with Davis’ physical attributes, describing her “Harlow gold” hair, “lips sweet surprise” and, of course, her “Bette Davis eyes.” DeShannon said in interview that she and Weiss both loved Davis: “We were always talking about what great movies and how we love her.”
She may have inspired it, but the song isn’t about Davis herself. Go a little deeper and it’s clear the lyrics describe a multifaceted women with allure who isn’t Davis, but has her magnetism. She’s a femme fatale — drawing people in then moving on.
A recent Vulture article makes the argument that “Bette Davis” is a queer anthem. It all comes down the perspective: It’s easy to imagine the song is about a woman, sung by the woman enamored by her.
The song’s queer subtext dawns on people.
As a 2019 tweet cheekily reads, How…..in the world…..was Bette Davis Eyes NOT intended to be a gay song?”
Or another: “how am i just realizing after almost 27 years on this earth that the song bette davis eyes is like… REALLY gay”
While Siwa has opened in the past about her sexuality, she’s subverting expectations by substituting “Bette Davis eyes” for “Chris Hughes eyes.”
Siwa is singing a song about attraction — but not to someone who looks like Bette Davis, ushering in a new era for her as a queer singer and perhaps for the song.
