Pacific Stars And Stripes
Carpenters Note the Criticism
 May 25, 1974
During the recent Grammy Awards TV show, the Carptenters were asked to present popcamp singer Bette Midler with her prize as best new artist of the year.
Miss Midler has had some grim things to say about Karen’s singing.
Bette has described Karen as being “so white she’s invisible.”
She has, according to Karen, also said that “Karen’s singing is all right – it’s her drumming that – .”
Since Midler has made her overnight fame singing fey versions of lily-white 1940s pop corn, such remarks are at best suspect.
As for Karen, she seems genuinely amused by Midler’s brass.
“I think she’s great,” Karen said. “She likes to pick on me, but I think that’s just a good show-biz bit for her. As a matter of fact, we went to a party after the Grammy show, and we got along fine.
She said, ‘I don’t know what I’m gonna do now that we’re friends.’ She’s funny as heck.”
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It’s sad to think Bette would criticize Karen. I always liked Bette’s singing, but since some of her political and very harsh and unkind comments surfaced I won’t be buying or supporting her work in anyway. I don’t know if she actually said unkind things about Karen, but I tend to believe she did. Sad.