In 1974, Jackie DeShannon (alongside Donna Weiss) first recorded “Bette Davis Eyes”, imprinting the world with her mix of piano driven rock and country influences—ushering in songwriting for later icons.
Kim Carnes’s 1981 version transformed the song into a global phenomenon: 9 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a Grammy for Record and Song of the Year, and Bette Davis herself reportedly sent roses and platinum discs in gratitude.
Taylor Swift delivered a heartfelt live version during her 2011 Speak Now World Tour, which was later included on Speak Now: World Tour Live, introducing the track to a new generation.
On July 11, 2025, JoJo Siwa released her own studio cover of “Bette Davis Eyes” following its viral reception at live shows . Decked in a platinum retro bob and vintage-inspired attire channeling Bette Davis, she debuted the studio single across streaming platforms.
The cover has sparked mixed reactions: some praise her daring reinterpretation, while others critique the heavy use of auto tune—leading Kim Carnes to famously delete a TikTok post about “authenticity” in performance. Despite the buzz, the cover amassed nearly 100,000 Spotify streams on July 12.
Presently JoJo’s version has topped iTunes in the UK at number one and the iTunes for country at number 9. In Spain, Kim Carnes’ version on iTunes is number 15.
This song’s adaptability—from Jackie’s roots to Kim’s global fame, Taylor’s heartfelt rendition, and JoJo’s daring reinterpretation—underscores its timeless appeal. Whether inspiring Bette Davis herself or stirring debates in 2025, “Bette Davis Eyes” remains a cultural touchstone across generations.