JoJo Siwa Releases Controversial ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ Cover

JoJo Siwa has dropped a cover of the 1981 hit “Bette Davis Eyes” — and its original singer Kim Carnes might not be a fan.

After teasing on social media that she might share her version of the song earlier this week, the Dance Moms alum released her rendition of the track on Friday, July 11.

“Bette Davis Eyes” cover out now, stream everywhere you listen to music✨” she posted to Instagram on July 11, while sporting a cropped, blond wig inspired by actress Bette Davis, a ruffled gingham crop top and pink shorts.

“Performing ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ live in London was one of the most thrilling moments on stage,” Siwa, 22, said in a statement per a press release. “The crowd’s reaction was so amazing, I knew I had to release it as a single.

She added, “The song is a classic, full of confidence and mystery, and I wanted to bring my own interpretation to it while honoring the original. I can’t wait for my fans to experience it!” 

Because Siwa’s live performance of the song went viral, she decided to record a studio version of the track for fans, per the release.

“And she’ll tease you / She’ll unease you / All the better just to please you / She’s precocious and she knows just / What it takes to make a pro blush / She got Greta Garbo stand off sighs / Shе’s got Bette Davis eyеs,” she belts on the track with a raspy lilt.

According to E! Online, Carnes, 79, appeared to share her thoughts on the singer and dancer’s forthcoming cover in a now-deleted TikTok video posted on Wednesday, July 9.

In the clip, which reportedly featured a snippet of her music video for “Bette Davis Eyes,” she included a message about “authenticity” when it comes to music.

“There is a difference between singing a song…. And embodying it….” Carnes reportedly wrote in the comments, alongside a clip of the music video, where she sports a black pantsuit with matching sunglasses and performs in an empty warehouse. “I’ve always believed authenticity is what makes music timeless.”

She continued, “I’m forever grateful to be the voice behind this one….. Bette Davis Eyes.”

Reps for Siwa and Carnes have not yet replied to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

On Monday, July 7, Siwa began teasing that she might release a cover of “Bette Davis Eyes” on Instagram.

“After performing this song live and then seeing the beautiful response to it, I decided to go record a studio vocal…. I’m undecided if I should release it on Spotify or not…. Would you want me to?!!!🤍 if you would, I’m thinking maybe end of this week?” she captioned the post, which featured her in the aforementioned blond wig and gingham crop top.

Per fan-captured footage from her May 26 concert in London, Siwa dedicated a reimagined version of the track to her boyfriend Chris Hughes, with whom she became close friends during the Celebrity Big Brother UK’s 24th season and is now dating.