Kim Carnes is candidly sharing her thoughts regarding JoJo Siwa‘s interpretation of her iconic song, “Bette Davis Eyes.” In an exclusive statement to TMZ, she elaborates on her feelings about this recent rendition and what it means to her personally. Kim’s insights not only reflect her artistry but also the complex emotions that come with being a part of the music industry.

Kim expresses to TMZ, “When I first viewed my original performance juxtaposed side-by-side with a new rendition of ‘Bette Davis Eyes,’ I can only describe how it initially impacted me. The phrasing, the tonal quality, and even the subtle inflections—all of it felt strikingly familiar, almost too close for comfort.” Her reaction highlights the deep connections artists have with their work and how new interpretations can evoke strong emotional responses.

She elaborates further, stating, “I wholeheartedly support female artists uplifting one another. This industry can be incredibly harsh, and I strongly reject the kind of hate and personal attacks I’ve observed online—whether directed at myself, JoJo Siwa, or any other artist. Such behavior is unacceptable in music and in any other aspect of life.” Kim’s words emphasize the importance of solidarity among artists, particularly women in a challenging industry.

Kim adds, “At the same time, I believe artists have the right to express how a particular interpretation makes them feel—especially when it pertains to something as personal as their voice. Nowadays, our voice is one of the few things we truly own. Therefore, when it feels like your voice is being borrowed, it strikes a profoundly personal chord.” This statement underscores the emotional attachment artists have to their unique sound and the responsibility that comes with representing someone else’s work.

JoJo launched her version of the song last week, and Kim notes, “Bette Davis Eyes has been covered many times—by Kylie, Taylor, Gwyneth, and others—and I have always appreciated hearing different interpretations. When Donna Weiss, who co-wrote with Jackie DeShannon, first introduced me to the song back in 1980, I recognized an opportunity to make it uniquely mine.” This acknowledgment of various covers highlights the song’s enduring legacy and its ability to inspire new generations of artists.

“I created a version of the melody that was distinctive to my voice and style. We assembled an incredible group of musicians, including Bill Cuomo—who, among other contributions, crafted that unforgettable synth riff—and we recorded the entire track live in one take. There were no overdubs or manipulations. What you hear on that record is exactly what we performed. The result was pure magic.” Kim’s reflection on the recording process speaks to the authenticity and craftsmanship that characterize her music.

Kim shares with us, “I am proud that my rendition of BDE continues to resonate, achieving over 130 million streams annually. Additionally, I am thrilled to announce that I will be releasing a new EP of remixes soon, featuring some amazing artists from the dance music community.” This excitement about future projects reflects her ongoing commitment to evolving as an artist while honoring her musical roots.

She concludes her thoughts by stating, “I have always aimed to protect and celebrate the legacy of this recording—and that is truly all I wish to convey.” Her dedication to the integrity of her work showcases her respect for the artistic process and the significance of her contributions to music history.